Childhood Thalassemia: 5 Important Facts Every Parent Should Understand
Thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder, poses significant challenges for families at risk, but with proactive screening and prenatal diagnosis, the birth of thalassemia-affected children can be prevented, fostering a brighter and healthier future for generations to come. (File Image: DC) Thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder, poses significant challenges for families at risk, but with proactive screening and prenatal diagnosis, the birth of thalassemia-affected children can be prevented, fostering a brighter and healthier future for generations to come. (File Image: DC) The National Library of Medicine states that India is remembered for the thalassemia belt, which extends from the Mediterranean to the Center East, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. The country represents roughly 10% (10,000) of each and every year's infants determined to have beta-thalassemia major (-TM). Thus it becomes a need of the hour to explore crucial facts about the disease so every parent is aware of it: Thalassemia: Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder affecting the hemoglobin synthesis. Hemoglobin is an oxygen carrying component of the red blood cells and it has two proteins- alpha and beta. In Thalassemia, , these alpha or beta proteins are not produced enough leading to break down of red blood cells and causing anemia. The affected child will have anemia at an early age and have less oxygen in the blood and tissues. As thalassemia is an inherited disease, at least one of the parents must be a carrier and the abnormal gene is passed on from parents to their childen. Types of Thalassemia: There are two types of Thalassemia depending on the number of mutated genes and severity. Thalassemia minor: If one abnormal gene is inherited from one parent then its called Thalassemia minor, mild type. In this type, no treatment is required but the affected individual will be a carrier of that abnormal gene. Thalassemia major: But if the child inherits two abnormal genes, one from each parent, then its called Thalassemia major, a severe type of anemia, where the child can present with anemia after 6 months of age. This type needs treatment. The child will have deformities of the bones, particularly in the face, , delayed growth and development, excessive tiredness and fatigue, and yellow or pale skin and yellowish discoloration of eyes. Thalassemia does not affect everyone equally. Signs and symptoms of the disorder may also appear later in childhood or adolescence depending on the severity of the disease. What is the cause for this disease? It is an inherited disorder. It is inherited as autosomal recessive pattern, that means both the parents have to be a carrier of the abnormal gene which is passed on to the affected child. There are more than 200 genetic mutations which are identified as a cause for this disease. How to Diagnose Thalassemia? Any child presenting with severeanemia at an early age, should be investigated to rule out thalassemia major. On Physical examination, child will look pale, there may be yellowish discoloration of the eyes, spleen will be enlarged. Laboratory tests: Complete blood count (CBC): it is an important and simple blood test which will give us information about anemia and low MCV. Peripheral smear: The second important blood test in which the blood sample is examined by pathologist under microscope and gives information about the type of anemia and abnormal shapes of red blood cells. HPLC: This test is the diagnostic and confirmatory test for thalassemia. It will inform regarding the presence and type of thalassemia. Mutation analysis is also an important test to know the genetic abnormality. Treatment for Thalassemia major: There are two main types of treatment- 1. Regular blood transfusion along with iron chelating agents. When a child receives regular blood transfusions almost every 3-4 weeks, then the iron starts getting deposited in various organs of the body, like liver, heart, pancreas etc. which can damage these organs. Therefore, its important to take iron chelating medicines along with transfusions. This is not a curative treatment option, here we are just correcting the anemia. 2. Bone marrow transplantation : It is a curative treatment option where the patients bone marrow cells are replaced by the stem cells of a suitable donor. This eliminates the need the regular transfusion.Results are much better if it is done at an early age, specially before 7 years of age 3. Gene Therapy : Its a latest advancement in the treatment of thalassemia patients but still under research work. It is important to do Thalassemia screening during pregnancy so that we can prevent the severe form of the disease. Till date the best treatment option for Thalassemia majoris Bone marrow transplantation. The article is authored by Dr. Nandini Choudhury Hazarika, Consultant - Medical Oncology, BMT
Man held for double murder in Belagvi village
BELAGAVI: A father of a minor girl murdered a youth who was forcing his daughter for marriage, and also murdered his elder brother, who tried to save his brother. The incident took place in Dundanakoppa village of Saundatti taluk on Tuesday. The deceased youth are identified as Mayappa Somappa Halegudi (20) and his elder brother Yallappa Somappa Halegudi (22), both residents of Dundanakoppa village of Saundatti taluk. The accused is identified as Fakeerappa Maruti Bhavihal (50), a resident of Dundanakoppa village and has been arrested by the police. According to sources, accused Fakeerappa has a teenage daughter. The victim Mayappa was repeatedly forcing the parents of the teenage girl for marriage, claiming that he was in love with the girl and she too was interested in him. The deceased was also disturbing the family by raising this issue at their home repeatedly. Angered by his behavior, Fakeerappa allegedly stabbed Mayyappa in the chest and stomach, when he came with the proposal again on Tuesday night and also stabbed his elder brother Yallappa, who tried to stop him. A team from Murgod police station reached the spot and shifted Yallappa to hospital, with the help of villagers, while Mayappa died on the spot. However, Yallappa also died in the hospital on Wednesday, while undergoing treatment. The police have arrested Fakeerappa and are further investigating after registering a case of murder.
Mathew Antony, a member of the Congress party, issued a warning to the Somaiya Trust, implying potential repercussions, subsequent to their decision to terminate Parveen Shaikh, the principal of Somaiya The post Congress Functionary Threatens Somaiya Trust For Sacking Pro-Hamas Supporting Principal Parveen Shaikh appeared first on The Commune .
Mumbai school 'discontinues' services of principal for liking social media posts on Palestine
The management of a leading school in Mumbai on Tuesday, May 7, announced it has discontinued the services of Principal Parveen Shaikh o ensure that our ethos of unity and inclusivity is not compromised, days after she was asked to quit reportedly for liking social media posts on the Palestine issue and the Hamas-Israel conflict. Shaikh, Principal of Somaiya School in Mumbai's Vidyavihar area, described her ermination from the post as completely illegal, drastic and unwarranted and expressed shock over the politically motivated action. The school management said her personal social media activities were not aligned with the values cherished by the educational institute. Shaikh was earlier allegedly asked by the management to resign over her social media views, her aide had said on May 2. The management had then said it was probing the matter. In a statement shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, May 7, the Somaiya school management said Shaikh's personal social media activities were starkly misaligned with the values we cherish and hence, given the gravity of concerns and after careful consideration, it discontinued her (services). After careful consideration, the management has discontinued Ms Parveen Shaikh's association with Somaiya Vidyavihar to ensure that our ethos of unity and inclusivity is not compromised, the statement said. The school management, in the statement, claimed it strives to cultivate an environment where knowledge leads to wisdom and uplifts all members of the community, transcending small-mindedness and personal biases. We strongly support the right to freedom of expression, yet we recognize that it is not absolute and must be exercised with responsibility and respect for others, it said. The statement emphasised the institute remains dedicated to providing a nurturing educational environment that honours and respects all cultures and beliefs, contributing positively to society and our nation. We believe it is crucial to safeguard the impressionable minds of our youth, and ensure they are nurtured in an environment that upholds the highest standards of integrity and inclusivity, it said. Our Media Statement on 7th May 2024 pic.twitter.com/CFgOS6oCvb Somaiya Vidyavihar (@SomaiyaTrust) May 7, 2024 Before the discontinuation Earlier last week, the Somaiya school management informed the media that it had sought a written clarification from Shaikh and was waiting for her reply. The statement did not specify if the management received any clarification from her. Shaikh, in a statement shared on WhatsApp, claimed her ermination was completely illegal and she was shocked to know the news of her termination from social media even before receiving a notice from the management. My work as a school principal has been exceptional and my termination for such a reason is wrongful and unjust, she claimed. Shaikh further said she was disappointed as the school management chose not to stand by her and took drastic and unwarranted action. This action appears to be politically motivated. I hold firm belief in our legal system and the Indian Constitution and I am currently considering my legal options, she said. Shaikh had been associated with the school since the last 12 years and took charge as the principal seven years ago. (This article originally appeared on EdexLive )
Parveen Shaikh: Mumbai School Principal Fired For Liking Pro-Palestine Post
Parveen Shaikh, the principal of Somaiya School in Mumbai, has been fired for liking a pro-Palestine post on social media.
Mumbai's Somaiya School sacks principal Praveen Shaikh for liking pro-Palestine tweets
The management of a Mumbai school, Somaiya School terminated Principal Parveen Shaikh, citing concerns about her personal social media aligning with the school's values. Shaikh, associated with the school for 12 years and principal for seven, called the decision illegal and politically motivated. The school emphasized the importance of responsible expression and maintaining a diverse, inclusive environment. Shaikh expressed shock over her termination and hinted at legal action, highlighting the challenges of personal social media use for public figures like school principals.
Somaiya Trust to end association with principal over social media posts
After school releases formal statement that her social media activity was misaligned with its values and ethos, Parveen Shaikh says shes been sent show-cause notice
The Zealot: Everything we know about release date, plot, director, cast and production
Djimon Hounsou and Kodi Smit-McPhee will star in The Zealot, a thriller adapting Bennett Fisher's play, Damascus. Directed by Vadim Perelman, the film follows Hassan, a Somali-American driver, and Lloyd, a mysterious traveler. The project promises intense performances, exploring themes of survival and prejudice. The release date is pending.
Mumbai school axes principal for social media activity
Shaikh, the principal of Somaiya School in Mumbai's Vidyavihar area, described her ermination from the post as completely illegal, drastic and unwarranted and expressed shock over the politically motivated action.
Speakers See Threat to Constitution if BJP Wins Again
HYDERABAD: Journalists, academics, former judges and politicians, who addressed a roundtable meeting here on Tuesday, expressed concern on what they called the threats posed by communal forces to the social fabric of the nation. They also aired their fears on the threat posed to the Constitution. Speaking at a roundtable meeting organised by Telangana Journalists Adhyayana Vedika on Indian Constitution Rights and Reservations at the Somajiguda Press Club on Tuesday, Prof. Haragopal said, Whether the Constitution would be in vogue or not is the moot question as the RSS, the parent organisation of the BJP, has been opposed to it. In the process of creating wealth, care should be taken to see that jobs are not lost. The idea of welfare is being given a go by and privatisation is taking primacy and reservations are becoming a casualty. The role of the state in welfare is reducing and defence is taking precedence over it. What can be done if the Constitution that the rulers are seeking to implement is implemented, he asked. The nation is in dire straits and democracy is in crisis. If there is no dissent, the nation will quickly descend into an autocracy. Only after the Mandal Commission was implemented, did the backward communities start securing jobs, opined Prof. Kasim. Senior journalist Ramachandra Murthy on his part said that the RSS doesnt believe in the Constitution. Only minor changes have been made to the Constitution so far, it has not been changed. To save the constitutional bodies, BJP has to be defeated. Retired Justice Chandra Kumar opined that it was those who bat for Manusmriti who divided the country. The system of contract and outsourcing was brought into picture to evade reservations. BJP leaders are trying to implement the ideals of their founders. The release of Bilkis Bano is something which puts Modi and Shah to shame, he said. BC leader Jajula Srinivas Goud, senior journalist Jayasaradhi Reddy, Congress leader Sangisetty Jagadish and Janam Sakshi editor Rahman also spoke at the meeting.
Congress member Mathew Antony threatened Somaiya School after they sacked Parveen Shaikh over her pro-Hamas, pro-Zakir Naik views.
Ms Parveen Shaikh was sacked as Somaiya School principal on Tuesday, weeks after OpIndia published anexposon her unflinching support for Hamas, usual Hindu haters including Islamist preacher Zakir Naik, Umar Khalid among others.
Tracks Aren't For Jogging: Railways Officer Slams Ad Featuring Milind Soman
I believe it's the railway track in the Borivali National Park. But running on the track of Indian Railways is fundamentally wrong. The messaging of the ad is not correct, the officer said.
Tracks Aren't For Jogging: Railways Officer On Ad Featuring Milind Soman
I believe it's the railway track in the Borivali National Park. But running on the track of Indian Railways is fundamentally wrong. The messaging of the ad is not correct, the officer said.
Would Be Showering Blessings: PM's Brother Remembers Mother On Polling Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's elder brother Somabhai Modi on Tuesday turned emotional while remembering their mother late Hiraba and said she would be showering her blessings on the PM from heaven.
Somabhai Modi, PM's Brother, Overwhelmed by Emotion on Polling Day, Reminisces about Mother's Memory
Somabhai Modi, PM's Brother, Overwhelmed by Emotion on Polling Day, Reminisces about Mother's Memory Prime Minister Narendra Modi's elder brother Somabhai Modi on Tuesday turned emotional while remembering their mother late Hiraba and said she would be showering her blessings on the PM from heaven. Somabhai Modi said just like the people, he also wants his brother to become the prime minister for the third time. PM Modi used to meet his mother at her residence in Gandhinagar in Gujarat and take her blessings before coming here to cast his vote. Hiraba passed away in December 2022. ''My mother is no more. But she must be giving her blessings to Narendrabhai from heaven right now,'' said a teary-eyed Somabhai outside a polling booth in Ranip locality here under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency where PM Modi cast his vote in the morning. Somabhai Modi met PM Narendra Modi outside the polling booth in Ranip. He said both of them enquired about each other's well-being and health. ''Just like people of this area, I also want Narendra Modi to become the PM for the third time after this election,'' he said. He also appealed to the people to exercise their franchise and not miss this opportunity, and choose the right person and the right party.
PM Modi congratulates EC for conducting first two phases of LS polls almost violence-free
AHMEDABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated the Election Commission for conducting the first two phases of Lok Sabha polls with hardly any violence and asked the people to come out in large numbers to vote. He said violence during elections was very common in the past. After casting his vote at Nishan School in Ranip area of Ahmedabad city under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat, PM Modi also said the way the Indian elections are being conducted could be a learning process for other democracies. #ElectionsWithTNIE | Third Phase voting begins, PM #NarendraModi casts his vote. #LokSabhaElection2024 pic.twitter.com/GzbSztz8RW The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 7, 2024 Matdaan samanya daan nahi hai, hamare desh main daan ka mahatva hai (voting is not a common gift, in our country importance is given to donation). People of the country should vote in large numbers keeping this feeling in their hearts, Modi told reporters. The third phase of voting is underway on Tuesday and campaigning will go on for almost three weeks and four more phases of polling, he noted. LS polls 2024 phase-3| Live updates|10.57% voter turnout for Phase 3 till 9 am As a voter from Gujarat, I have been voting here (Nishan School) for the last many years, and our Amitbhai (Shah) is the BJP candidate from here, Modi said. Today is the day of celebration of democracy. I congratulate the Election Commission, security forces and officials involved in conducting the first two phases of polls almost violence-free. In the past, violence during elections was very common, he said. Modi also congratulated the Election Commission for conducting the polls in a voter-friendly manner. The conduct of our election, our election management is such that it can be a learning process for other democracies. Big universities of the world should carry out a case study on the Indian elections, he said. This year, almost 64 countries in the world are going to polls. There should be a comparison of elections between India and other countries. This year's festival of democracy is not only in India but around the world, Modi said. Modi congratulated the Election Commission for adopting good poll practices from the world in the elections in India. He also lauded the EC for adopting modern technology for conducting the polls. Modi reached the polling booth at Nishan Public School in Ranip locality of Ahmedabad city soon after the polling began at 7 am and cast his vote. Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah, who is contesting to retain the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, was present when Modi reached the polling booth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with supporters after casting his vote at a polling station during the third phase of Lok Sabha elections, in Ahmedabad. Modi greeted people, signed autographs on his way to the polling booth. He bowed down to his elder brother Somabhai Modi before entering the polling booth. After coming out of the polling booth, PM Modi waved to the crowd and showed his inked finger. The prime minister is a registered voter from Ranip area. Somabhai Modi lives near Nishan School, which falls under Sabarmati assembly segment of the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. Polling began at 7 am in all the 25 Lok Sabha constituencies in Gujarat.
Indian Prime Minister Modi Votes in Gandhinagar Lok Sabha Constituency
Indian Prime Minister Modi Votes in Gandhinagar Lok Sabha Constituency Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday voted at a polling booth in Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency in the single-phase voting for 25 seats in Gujarat. Modi reached the polling booth at Nishan Public School in Ranip locality of Ahmedabad city soon after the polling began at 7 am and cast his vote. Union minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah, who is contesting to retain the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, was present when Modi reached the polling booth. Modi greeted people, signed autographs on his way to the polling booth. He bowed down to his elder brother Somabhai Patel before entering the polling booth. The PM, who arrived in Ahmedabad on Monday night, cast his vote in the polling booth after getting his finger inked. After coming out of the polling booth, Modi waved to the crowd and showed his inked finger. Polling began at 7 am in all the 25 Lok Sabha constituencies in Gujarat. Modi is a registered voter from Ranip area. Somabhai Patel lives near Nishan School, which falls under Sabarmati assembly segment of Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency.
Class 12 exam pass percentage dips slightly in southern districts of Tamil Nadu
MADURAI: As the Class 12 results were announced on Monday, six out of ten southern districts saw a dip in overall percentage when compared to last year. The highest difference was seen in Ramanathapuram district, where the pass percentage was 1.41 lesser than the previous year, followed by Kanniyakumari with 1.33%, Virudhunagar 1.21%, Thoothukudi 0.97%, Madurai 0.65% and Tirunelveli 0.17%. Theni saw an increase in pass percentage by 3.48, followed by 1.63% in Dindigul, 0.16% in Sivaganga and 0.11% in Tenkasi. Like last year, the overall pass percentage of girl students was higher when compared to boys. Dip in performance of corp schools Meanwhile, the pass percentages of corporation schools witnessed a slight drop in comparison with that of the previous year. While the overall pass percentage of corporation schools stood at 91.78, two institutions achieved 100% pass rate. Of the 2,067 students of 15 corporation higher secondary schools who appeared for the exam this year, 1,897 students (91.7%) cleared the exam, which is slightly lower than last year's result of 92.5%. In a remarkable feat, two corporation schools Navalar Somasundara Bharathiyar School and Kambar Corporation School achieved a pass percentage of 100. Of them, Navalar Somasundara Bharathiyar School also managed to maintain its first position among Madurai corporation schools, for the second consecutive year. It may be noted that no corporation school in the district was able to secure 100% success in the last academic year. Further, the pass percentage rates are also higher among girls this time. Last year, the pass percentage rates for girls and boys stood at 95.55% and 85.28%, respectively. This year, the rates are 93.68 % and 85.99% for girls and boys, respectively.
Among the notable candidates vying for the parliamentary seat are Basavaraj Somappa Bommai from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Anandaswamy Gaddadevara Math from the Indian National Congress (INC). These candidates bring with them a wealth of experience, perspectives, and promises aimed at addressing the needs and aspirations of the people of Haveri.
People with two copies of a risk gene have genetic form of Alzheimer's, scientists say
People with two copies of a risk gene have genetic form of Alzheimer's, scientists say People who carry two copies of the APOE4 gene are virtually guaranteed to develop Alzheimer's and face symptoms at an earlier age, researchers reported on Monday in a study that could redefine such carriers as having a new genetic form of the mind-wasting disease. The reclassification could change Alzheimer's research, diagnosis and approaches to treatment, according to the researchers, whose study was published in the journal Nature Medicine. Through these data we are saying that perhaps this is a genetic form of this disease, not merely a risk factor indication, study co-author Sterling Johnson of the University of Wisconsin's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center told reporters in a briefing on the study. Scientists have known for three decades that people with two copies of APOE4 gene variant have significantly higher risk of developing the disease than people with the most common version of the APOE gene, known as APOE3. About 2% to 3% of the general population, or about 15% of people with Alzheimer's, have two copies of the APOE4 variant. This study adds compelling data to suggest that people with two copies of this gene are almost guaranteed to develop Alzheimers if they live long enough, and that they will develop Alzheimers earlier than people without this gene, said professor Tara Spires-Jones, an Alzheimer's researcher at the University of Edinburgh who was not involved in the study. Dr. Juan Fortea of the University of Barcelona and colleagues studied more than 3,000 donated brains from the U.S. National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center, as well as biological and clinical data on more than 10,000 individuals from five datasets in three countries. They found that by the age of 65, at least 95% of people with two copies of APOE4 - known as homozygotes - had abnormal levels of an Alzheimer's-related protein called beta amyloid in their spinal fluid, and 75% had positive brain scans for amyloid. Nearly all APOE4 homozygotes in the study had higher levels of amyloid at age 65 than people who did not carry the risk variant. The findings suggest APOE4 homozygotes meet the three main criteria for being a genetic disease: nearly everyone with these two gene variants have Alzheimer's biology; they develop symptoms at about the same rate; and clinical and biological changes occur in a predictable sequence, the researchers said. Professor David Curtis of the UCL Genetics Institute, who was not involved in the research, remained unconvinced. I do not see anything in this paper to justify the claim that carrying two copies of APOE4 represents some 'distinct genetic form' of Alzheimer's disease', he said in a statement. No matter how many (copies) of APOE4 one carries the underlying disease processes seem similar across cases of Alzheimer's disease, he said. The findings could have implications for the recently approved Alzheimer's treatment Leqembi from Eisai and Biogen, a drug that removes amyloid from the brain. In clinical trials, patients with two copies of the APOE4 variant have much higher rates of brain bleeding and swelling associated with the treatment. Because of this, some centers do not treat these patients, Dr. Reisa Sperling, an Alzheimer's researcher at Mass General Brigham who worked on the study, said in a briefing with reporters. This research really suggests that we should be treating them quite early at a younger age and at an early stage of pathology because we know they're very, very likely to progress to impairment quickly, she said. Spires-Jones said the work highlights the need for more research on how genes affect Alzheimer's disease as people age. Other genetic forms of Alzheimer's include Autosomal-dominant Alzheimer's Disease, which is caused by mutations in two different genes, and Down syndrome. Most of the study population involved people of European ancestry, and the team noted that more work needs to be done in people of African descent, a population in which APOE4 appears to convey a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Will Donald Trump deport 20 million illegal immigrants if re-elected? Know about his plans in detail
Donald Trump has said that the US will not bring in anyone from Gaza, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, or anywhere else that threatens the security of the country. He plans to round up, detain and deport millions of illegal immigrants.
Karnataka: Lingayats may not vote en bloc, but likely to prefer sub-castes
BENGALURU: Ahead of the Phase-3 of Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday, BJP may have realised that the lions share of Lingayat support it enjoyed in many elections over the last few decades could be turning into a mirage. Though BJP senior leader BS Yediyurappa, considered a Lingayat strongman, has been campaigning in all the 14 constituencies, the party has realised that it will be difficult to repeat the results of the last Lok Sabha elections when it won all the 14 seats in the region aided by Lingayats, who are the deciding factor in majority of seats. Veerashaiva Mahasabha secretary Renuka Prasanna said, Basava Nadu used to vote only for BJP, but the Lingayat community will not remain a homogenous vote bank for BJP forever. The previous election demonstrated that and this election too, it will be on show. For starters, infighting in the party that is known for its discipline has been its biggest challenge. The party has struggled with the standoff between Lingayat leaders Madhuswamy and V Somanna, between Holalkere Chandrappa and Govinda Karjol in Chitradurga, Ananth Kumar Hegde and Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri in Uttara Kannada and Bhagwant Khuba and Prabhu Chavan in Bidar. Adding to partys troubles, Lingayat seer Dingaleshwara Swamiji too joined the fray initially, but later withdrew. But now, he has resumed addressing public meetings aimed solely at defeating Union minister Pralhad Joshi in the Dharwad constituency. Also, Lingayats are not voting en bloc and are talking of casting their franchise based on sub-castes like Lingayat Panchamsali, Lingayat Banajiga and Lingayat Ganiga. Also, Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs announcement of starting a university to study the Vachana literature and naming social reformer Basavanna as the cultural icon of Karnataka have softened the Lingayat stand towards Congress. Experts point out that BJP ignored social engineering while selecting candidates for the crucial polls. It gave seats only to Lingayat, Brahmin and SC/STs, while completely ignoring representatives from other castes, who have a substantial vote share in the region. In all the 14 constituencies, their candidates are either Lingayat or Brahmin. Wherever there is a reserved constituency, the ticket has been given to a representative from that community. BJP will also find it difficult to get votes of minorities, who constitute 12-20 per cent of the electorate in these constituencies. Added to this is the sizeable OBC presence and BJP has always found it difficult to break into the Dalit vote base because of Mallikarjun Kharge, a Dalit from Kalaburagi, who is AICC president. This time, there could be the strongest consolidation ever of Dalit votes in favour of Congress, which BJP is realising in many constituencies. Political analyst BS Murthy said, BJP did not pay sufficient attention to its social engineering and that may not help the party because all candidates here are either Lingayat or Brahmin. There is no palpable wave in favour of BJP so far. Infighting and rebellion may cost the party dear. BJP has never looked this vulnerable in the last three polls. A BJP functionary, requesting anonymity, said, The party has always enjoyed the blessings of the Lingayat community. I agree that we may not sweep all 14 seats, but we still enjoy a solid advantage and support in North Karnataka. Also, dont discount the Modi factor. I believe barring 3-4 seats, BJP will do well here. I believe Lingayats still prefer BJP.
Dugsi Dayz review young Muslim answer to The Breakfast Club fizzles out
Royal Court, London Four south London girls tell stories during detention at a mosque in Sabrina Alis play, which ends before we know much about them Four British Somali girls are thrown together in detention at a south London mosque, having erred in dugsi (Islamic school). Sabrina Alis play is inspired by the high-schoolers in John Hughess The Breakfast Club. Like them, these girls, all chalk and cheese, have no choice but to engage with each other, especially when their teacher goes Awol. Ali also plays Munira, a mischief maker, while Yasmin (Faduma Issa) wears a hot-pink jacket and talks about a friends bridal shower, and Salma (Susu Ahmed), a teachers pet, wont reveal why she has been sent to detention with them. The mysterious Hani (Hadsan Mohamud) sits slightly apart, giving the other girls the side-eye, her reason for being there unexplained. Dugsi Dayz runs at the Royal Court, London, until 18 May. Continue reading...
Australian police shoot dead a boy, 16, armed with a knife after he stabbed a man in Perth
Australian police shoot dead a boy, 16, armed with a knife after he stabbed a man in Perth A 16-year-old boy armed with a knife was shot dead by police after he stabbed a man in the Australian west coast city of Perth, officials said Sunday. The incident occurred in the parking lot of a hardware store in suburban Willetton on Saturday night. The teen attacked the man and then rushed at police officers before he was shot, Western Australian Premier Roger Cook told reporters on Sunday. There are indications he had been radicalized online, Cook told a news conference. But I want to reassure the community at this stage it appears that he acted solely and alone, Cook added. A man in his 30s was found at the scene with a stab wound to his back. He was taken to a hospital in serious but stable condition, a police statement said. Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organization agents have been conducting a counterterrorism investigation in the east coast city of Sydney since another 16-year-old boy stabbed an Assyrian Orthodox bishop and priest in a church on April 15. That boy has been charged with committing a terrorist act. Six of his alleged associates have also been charged with a range of offenses, including conspiring to engage in or planning a terrorist act. All remain in custody. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had been briefed on the latest stabbing in Perth by Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw and ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess, who heads the nation's main domestic spy agency. I'm advised there is no ongoing threat to the community on the information available, Albanese said. We are a peace-loving nation and there is no place for violent extremism in Australia, he added. Police received an emergency phone call after 10 p.m. from a teenager saying he was going to commit acts of violence, Western Australian Police Commissioner Col Blanch said. The boy had been participating in a program for young people at risk of radicalization, Blanch added. I don't want to say he has been radicalized or is radicalized because I think that forms part of the investigation, he said. Police said they were later alerted by a phone call from a member of the public that a knife attack was underway in the parking lot. Three police officers responded, one armed with a gun and two with conducted energy devices. Police deployed both conducted energy devices but they failed to incapacitate the boy before he was killed by a single gunshot, Blanch said. Blanch said members of the local Muslim community had raised concerns with police about the boy's behavior before he was killed on Saturday. The Imam of Perth's largest mosque, the Nasir Mosque, condemned the stabbing. ''There is no place for violence in Islam, Imam Syed Wadood Janud said in a statement. We appreciate the effort of the police to keep our communities safe. I also want to commend the local Muslim community who had flagged the individual prior with the police, Wadood added. Some Muslim leaders have criticized Australian police for declaring last month's church stabbing a terrorist act but not a rampage two days earlier in a Sydney shopping mall in which six people were killed and a dozen wounded. The 40-year-old attacker in the mall attack was shot dead by police. Police have yet to reveal the man's motive. The church attack is only the third to be classified by Australian authorities as a terrorist act since 2018. In December 2022, three Christian fundamentalists shot dead two police officers and a bystander in an ambush near the community of Wieambilla in Queensland state. The shooters were later killed by police. In November 2018, a Somalia-born Muslim stabbed three pedestrians in downtown Melbourne, killing one, before police shot him dead.
BJP trying to bounce back in Godavari districts after drubbing in 2019 polls
RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: The BJP is trying to bounce back after the drubbing it received in the 2019 elections in Godavari districts. In 2014, the BJP in alliance with the TDP and support of Jana Sena, won Rajamahendravaram City and Tadepalligudem Assembly seats, besides Narasapuram Lok Sabha seat in Godavari districts. The BJP as a partner of TDP - Jana Sena alliance is now contesting for Rajamahendravaram and Narasapuram Lok Sabha seats and Anaparthi Assembly seat in Godavari districts. In 2014, BJP candidate Gokaraju Gangaraju won Narasapuram Lok Sabha seat, while P Manikyala Rao and Akula Satyanarayana won Tadepalligudem and Rajamahendravaram City Assembly seats. The Kapu-heartland of Narasapuram Lok Sabha seat consisting of seven Assembly constituencies will be the testing ground for the recently forged BJP-TDP-JSP alliance in the upcoming polls. Elaborate arrangements are being made at Vemagiri in Rajamahendravaram for Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit on May 6. TDP supremo N Chandrababu and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan would share the dais with him. TDP founder NTRs daughter D Purandeswari is testing her luck in Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha constituency. She is facing a tough fight from YSRC candidate Dr Guduri Srinivas and Congress nominee Gidugu Rudraraju. TDP former MLA Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy switched loyalty to the BJP and is contesting from Anaparthi Assembly seat. Purandeswari has already toured her constituency twice. She met TDP and JSP leaders in all Assembly segments and has been addressing rallies. Women voters are attending her meetings in Rajanagaram, Gopalapuram, Kovvur and Nidadavolu Assembly segments. She has concentrated on Anaparthi, which is considered a YSRC bastion and made a whirlwind tour. She met all the community leaders in the villages. However, Rudraraju is penetrating into rural areas and touching the Congress traditional vote bank. The YSRC is worrying about the Congress upsurge. Winning is not new to the BJP in Godavari districts. The saffron party registered an impressive victory in 1998 and 1999 Lok Sabha polls in Rajamahendravaram, and 1999 and 2014 in Narasapuram. A large section of the middle class and upper class voters constitute a major share of the electorate in the Godavari belt. The voters expect a change in every election. They dont bother whether Muslim reservations would be continued or not if they voted for the BJP, a Common Civil Code will be introduced or not. The Godavari voters get carried away by the swings and make a beeline to polling stations and vote for one party and give an impressive victory. Unlike in Krishna and Guntur districts, Godavari voters are not ambitious but expect a change in every election. They do not bother about the ideologies of the parties. They do not reveal their mind in a straight forward manner. If they are not happy with government policies, they will vent their ire in the elections. The YSRC government may face a backlash for its liquor policy. Now, there is an overwhelming response to BJP candidates Purandeswari in Rajamahendravaram and Srinivas Varma in Narasapuram constituencies. A social activist Somasundaram said that Godavari voters would not choose different parties in Assembly and Lok Sabha polls. If they want to vote for TDP in Assembly, they vote for the same party or those who are in alliance with it in Lok Sabha polls. Though Srinivas Varma is not a popular leader, his winning chances are increasing steadily, he felt. The YSRC has fielded Guduri Umabala, a BC, who is facing a tough time from the BJP. Upper-class Kapu voters and middle-class and some BC communities and one section of Dalit voters in Achanta, Tadepalligudem, Bhimavaram, Narasapuram, Tanuku, Undi, and Palakollu constituencies may vote in favour of the BJP. The ruling YSRC will now look to consolidate the gains that it made in the 2019 elections when it made inroads into the strongholds of the TDP in Godavari districts. It is not a cakewalk to the YSRC in Rajamahendravaram and Narasapuram, as the mood of the Godavari belt is changing slowly. However, the experiment made by YSRC has yielded good results in the 2019 elections in Rajamahendravaram. The YSRC has taken a daring step by fielding BC candidates in Narasapuram and Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha constituencies, expecting consolidation of BC voters and the traditional vote bank in its favour. But the ground reality seems to be entirely different. Saffron party registered victory in 1998, 1999 LS polls Winning is not new to the BJP in Godavari districts. The saffron party registered an impressive victory in 1998 and 1999 Lok Sabha polls in Rajamahendravaram, and 1999 and 2014 in Narasapuram. A large section of the middle class and upper class voters constitute a major share of the electorate in the Godavari belt. The voters expect a change in every election. They dont bother whether Muslim reservations would be continued or not if they voted for the BJP, a Common Civil Code will be introduced or not
Day after rain, CESC staff in Mysuru struggle to restore power
MYSURU: Staff of the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) and Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) were pressed into restoration works after hundreds of trees and electricity poles were uprooted in the city in the Fridays heavy downpour resulting in several areas plunging into complete darkness for hours together. One person was dead and several others were injured in the rain fury. The deceased has been identified as Shivakumar of Marashettahalli in Myusru taluk. To take shelter from rain, he was standing under a zinc sheet roof which fell on him due to wild winds, killing him on the spot. In another incident, four others, including an auto driver, were injured after a tree fell on his rickshaw. In the third incident, three students were injured after a tree fell on the scooter near JSS Medical College. They sustained injuries in their head and are recovering. Meanwhile, the CESC and corporation staff swung into action and pressed earth movers into service to clear the trees and the streets. Pourakarmikas attached to the MCC had to skip their garbage collection duty and join the restoration work. The power supply was restored in many localities by noon. The CESC had to replace over 300 damaged electricity poles. M Jameel Ahmad, a resident of Yadavgiri, said several uprooted trees and electricity poles had blocked the road completely. He said residents were facing serious problems due to long power outages. CESC and MCC staff must work in tandem to ensure early restoration of power supply, he said. Many residents complained of their electronic appliances being damaged due to power fluctuation. Several streetlight also bore the brunt of the rain fury. Angry villagers stage protest Villagers of Sulekhobe staged a protest in front of the Mennyam panchayat office in Hanur taluk over callousness of officials in visiting the damaged banana plantation. Villagers alleged that banana plantations in more than 20 acres were damaged and there are also reports of crop loss in Kollegal, Chamarajanagar and parts of Gundlupet. The alleged that the CESC staff are yet to replace the damaged electricity poles that fell on several houses. They want the officials to visit the affected areas immediately. Newlywed man struck by lightning dies A 34-year-old newlywed man died after being struck by a massive lightning at his residence on Friday night. Somasundar, a resident of Parvathamukhi in Subramanya village in Kadaba taluk, is the deceased. The incident occurred when Somasundar was collecting dry arecanut before rain began. Though he was immediately shifted to the hospital, he was declared brought dead. Somasundar was operating a car washing business near Subramanya and he got married just 10 days ago. Rains across Sullia, Uppinangady and Subramanya damaged a few trees and electric poles. At Kinnigoli, an ancient tree estimated to be around 1,000 years old, which is considered the birthplace of Sri Kanthabare and Boodabare, the legendary figures of Kollur in Mulki, got uprooted on Friday.
Somaiya Trust to school head: Explain in writing
Principal Parveen Shaikh says the trust has sent her a show-cause notice for social media activity
In a landmark interaction with space enthusiasts via ISROs official Instagram page, Chairman S. Somanath articulated a vision that underscores the pivotal role of private players in propelling Indias space ambitions forward. Emphasising the catalytic impact of private entities like SpaceX on the global space landscape, the Chairman highlighted the imperative for India to embrace a similar trajectory. His remarks underscored a strategic shift in Indias space policy, reflecting a recognition of the transformative potential inherent in public-private partnerships within [] The post Private Space Exploration appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
AP Government Will Provide Free Locations for Shooting Movies
Vijayawada: Telugu film directors have sought development of the film industry in Andhra Pradesh, which owns beautiful locations and a long seacoast line. A Directors Day programme had been held in Tenali on Saturday in which movie directors and film personalities participated. MA-AP organised the Directors Day programme. Dilip Raja, the founder of MA-AP and film director, said there are many natural scenic and picturesque locations in Andhra Pradesh, which could be used for movie shootings. He pointed out that AP also has nearly a thousand kilometres of seacoast, which would be most useful for movie shootings. Andhra Pradesh Film Development Corporation manager Srinivasa Naik said the government will provide locations for movies to be shot in the state for free. On the occasion, Dr. Kothamasu Shyam Sundar, a renowned physician, presented Darsaka Ratna Dasari Narayana Rao awards to Ankuram, Maunam, Srikaram, film director and National Award winner C. Uma Maheswara Rao and director Bharat Parepalli, who has directed 40 films. Directors from AP including Daddy Srinivas, Om Sai, B. Somasundaram and Chalavadi Siva Prasad received honorary awards from MA-AP on the occasion of Director's Day.
SDPI is the political arm of the banned radical Islamist outfit PFI. In a Facebook post, it extended support to Parveen Shaikh and dubbed OpInida's expose as a testimony of 'Islamophobia in India.'
Somasundar alias Subrahmanya (35) hailing from Subrahmanya village, was the victim
'Nadikar' movie review: A lost opportunity, high on broad strokes
In one of the early scenes of Nadikar, superstar David Padikkal (Tovino Thomas) is ready for his shot and starts reciting the lines that he has memorised. Feel evide? (Where is the feel?), shouts a veteran director (Ranjith), frustrated on seeing his lead actor hamming his way through, sans any emotion. This sequence comes after a well-shot montage illustrating Davids sudden propulsion to stardom, leading him to taking things for granted with an unmistakable air of arrogance. As the film progresses nonchalantly, one cannot be blamed if the audience, too, start pondering the same question. Feel evide? Several years after a streak of success catapulted him to fame, David is now gradually losing everything, courtesy a string of flops. The general public, the media, and his entourage are all questioning his relevance as an actor. It reaches a point where he becomes open to the idea of hiring a professional acting coach, who could potentially breathe new life into his waning career. Soon, Bala (Soubin Shahir), a dispassionate acting instructor with a strong theater background comes into the picture and it is anything but smooth for him to tame Davids tantrums. It is the second time Lal Jr is attempting a film centered around the life of a film star after Driving License (2019), which, thankfully, had the backing of a solid script that did not pull its punches. Coming to Nadikar, the intentions are evident in its portrayal of the evolution of an unruly superstar, but unfortunately, Suvin S Somasekharans lackadaisical writing approaches this narrative with broad strokes. Barring some of the sporadic humour, mostly involving Suresh Krishna and Balu Varghese, the film tries too hard to find a solid footing. Nadikar begins on a humble note with the video footage of an interview featuring Malayalams first superstar, Prem Nazir, sharing pearls of wisdom on how stardom is not a bed of roses and emphasising the importance of discipline to stay relevant. The film attempts to examine this notion of stardom as a meta-commentary in todays times, showcasing how the Malayalam film industry operates. Unfortunately, apart from barely scratching the surface of the underlying themes and featuring some customary tongue-in-cheek gags related to the industry, it offers hardly anything new that we have not seen before. The first hour of Nadikar moves at a brisk pace as it leaves no stone unturned in portraying Davids unhinged and insecure life as a junkie and womaniser, who cant move on from his ex-lover. However, it significantly falters in engaging the audience post the interval when David reluctantly starts embracing Balas pieces of advice on how to act. As David, Tovino does manage to deliver an impressive performance while walking a tightrope between portraying a haughty star consumed by vanity and a mediocre actor who cannot even care to move a finger to improve his craft. The film falters when it lazily tries to explore the inner turmoils of David as an orphan, which becomes the cornerstone of the characters reinvention as an actor. Soubin, too, gets to shine in a few emotional scenes opposite Tovino, but the writing around his one-note character leaves a lot to be desired. Among the supporting cast, the standout performer was the hilarious Suresh Krishna as Davids manager, reminiscent of Antony Perumbavoors association with Mohanlal, as referenced in the film. Balu Varghese, too, provides comedic relief as part of the entourage. It was also refreshing to see Bhavana in a composed-yet-fun portrayal, even though her limited presence is peripheral to the story. One aspect that soared high in the film is, of course, the costumes and styling departments who understood the assignment. While most of the technical departments were satisfactory, the sync sound and mixing felt subpar as many dialogues were partially inaudible. On the whole, Nadikar is a lost opportunity that lacks both energy and emotional connection. It could have been a compelling coming-of-age of a narcissist and a potent satire on the idea of stardom, but its unimaginative writing makes it a lacklustre affair. Film: Nadikar Cast: Tovino Thomas, Soubin Shahir, Bhavana, Suresh Krishna, Balu Varghese Director: Lal Jr Rating : 2.5/5
Northern Gaza: UN official declares full-blown famine
Northern Gaza: UN official declares full-blown famine A top UN official said Friday that hard-hit northern Gaza was now in full-blown famine'' after more than six months of war between Israel and Hamas and severe Israeli restrictions on food deliveries to the Palestinian territory. Cindy McCain, the American director of the UN World Food Programme, became the most prominent international official so far to declare that trapped civilians in the most cut-off part of Gaza had gone over the brink into famine. It's horror,'' McCain told NBC's Meet the Press in an interview to air Sunday. There is famine full-blown famine in the north, and it's moving its way south.'' She said a cease-fire and a greatly increased flow of aid through land and sea routes was essential to confronting the growing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, home to 2.3 million people. There was no immediate comment from Israel, which controls entrance into Gaza and says it is beginning to allow in more food and other humanitarian aid through land crossings. The panel that serves as the internationally recognised monitor for food crises said earlier this year that northern Gaza was on the brink of famine and likely to experience it this month. The next update will not come before this summer. One of the US Agency for International Development's humanitarian officials in Gaza told The Associated Press that on-the-ground preparations for a new US-led sea route were on track to bring in more food including treatment for hundreds of thousands of starving children by early or mid-May. That's when the American military expects to finish building a floating pier to receive the shipments. Ramping up the delivery of aid on the planned US-backed sea route will be gradual as aid groups test the distribution and security arrangements for relief workers, the USAID official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity over security concerns for work done in a conflict zone. They were some of the agency's first comments on the status of preparations for the Biden administration's USD 320 million Gaza pier project, for which USAID is helping coordinate on-the-ground security and distribution. At a factory in rural Georgia on Friday, USAID Administrator Samantha Power pointed to the food crises in Gaza and other parts of the world as she announced a USD 200 million investment aimed at increasing production of emergency nutritional paste for starving children under 5. Power spoke to factory workers, peanut farmers and local dignitaries sitting among pallets of the paste at the Mana nonprofit in Fitzgerald. It is one of two factories in the US that produces the nutritional food, which is used in clinical settings and made from ground peanuts, powdered milk, sugar and oil, ready to eat in plastic pouches resembling large ketchup packets. This effort, this vision meets the moment, Power said. ''And it could not be more timely, more necessary or more important. Under pressure from the US and others, Israeli officials in recent weeks have begun slowly reopening some border crossings for relief shipments. But aid coming through the sea route, once it's operational, still will serve only a fraction half a million people of those who need help in Gaza. Aid organisations including USAID stress that getting more aid through border crossings is essential to staving off famine. Children under 5 are among the first to die when wars, droughts or other disasters curtail food. Hospital officials in northern Gaza reported the first deaths from hunger in early March and said most of the dead were children. Power said the UN has called for 400 metric tons of the nutritional paste in light of the severe hunger that is pervading across Gaza right now, and the severe, acute humanitarian crisis. USAID expects to provide a quarter of that, she said. Globally, she said at the Georgia factory, the treatment made there will save untold lives, millions of lives. USAID is coordinating with the World Food Programme and other humanitarian partners and governments on security and distribution for the pier project, while US military forces finish building it. President Joe Biden, under pressure to do more to ease the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza as the US provides military support for Israel, announced the project in early March. US Central Command said in a statement Friday that offshore assembly of the floating pier has been temporarily paused due to high winds and sea swells, which caused unsafe conditions for soldiers. The partially built pier and the military vessels involved have gone to Israel's Port of Ashdod, where the work will continue. A US official said the high seas will delay the installation for several days, possibly until later next week. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss operation details, said the pause could last longer if the bad weather continues because military personnel and divers have to get into the water for the final installation. The struggles this week with the first aid delivery through a newly reopened land corridor into north Gaza underscored the uncertainty about security and the danger still facing relief workers. Israeli settlers blocked the convoy before it crossed Wednesday. Once inside Gaza, the convoy was commandeered by Hamas militants, before UN officials reclaimed it. In Gaza, the nutritional treatment for starving children is most urgently needed in the northern part of the Palestinian territory. Civilians have been cut off from most aid supplies, bombarded by Israeli airstrikes and driven into hiding by fighting. Acute malnutrition rates there among children under 5 have surged from 1 per cent before the war to 30 per cent five months later, the USAID official said. The official called it the fastest such climb in hunger in recent history, more than in grave conflicts and food shortages in Somalia or South Sudan. One of the few medical facilities still operating in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan hospital, is besieged by parents bringing in thousands of children with malnutrition for treatment, the official said. Aid officials believe many more starving children remain unseen and in need, with families unable to bring them through fighting and checkpoints for care. Saving the gravely malnourished children in particular requires both greatly increased deliveries of aid and sustained calm in fighting, the official said, so that aid workers can set up treatment facilities around the territory and families can safely bring children in for the sustained treatment needed.
Gaza Aid Sea Route Opens, USAID Prioritizes Treating Starving Children
Gaza Aid Sea Route Opens, USAID Prioritizes Treating Starving Children On-the-ground preparations are on track in Gaza for humanitarian workers to be ready to deliver food, treatment for starving children and other urgent assistance by early or mid-May when the American military expects to finish building a floating pier to receive the shipments, a US Agency for International Development official said Friday. Ramping up the delivery of aid on a planned US-backed sea route will be gradual as aid groups test the distribution and security arrangements for relief workers, the USAID official told The Associated Press. The official spoke on condition of anonymity over security concerns for work done in a conflict zone. They were some of the agency's first comments on the status of preparations for the Biden administration's USD 320 million Gaza pier project, for which USAID is helping coordinate on-the-ground security and distribution. Meanwhile, at a factory in rural Georgia on Friday, USAID Administrator Samantha Power pointed to the food crises in Gaza and other parts of the world as she announced a USD 200 million investment aimed at increasing production of emergency nutritional paste for starving children under 5. Power spoke to factory workers, peanut farmers and local dignitaries sitting among pallets of the paste at the Mana nonprofit in Fitzgerald. It is one of two factories in the US that produces the nutritional food, which is used in clinical settings and made from ground peanuts, powdered milk, sugar and oil, ready to eat in plastic pouches resembling large ketchup packets. This effort, this vision meets the moment, Power said. ''And it could not be more timely, more necessary or more important. With the Israel-Hamas war stretching close to seven months and Israel restricting humanitarian aid, half of Gaza's 2.3 million people are at imminent risk of famine, international health officials say. Under pressure from the US and others, Israeli officials in recent weeks have begun slowly reopening some border crossings for relief shipments. But aid coming through the sea route, once it's operational, still will serve only a fraction half a million people of those who need help in Gaza. Aid organisations including USAID stress that getting more aid through border crossings is essential to staving off famine in the territory. Children under 5 are among the first to die when wars, droughts or other disasters curtail food. Hospital officials in northern Gaza reported the first deaths from hunger in early March and said most of the dead were children. The panel that serves as the internationally recognized monitor for food crises said earlier this year that northern Gaza was on the brink of famine and likely to experience it by this month. While the next update will not come before this summer, it's clear that so far there has not been enough food getting to north Gaza to avert famine, the USAID official said. Power said the UN has called for 400 metric tons of the nutritional paste in the Palestinian territory in light of the severe hunger that is pervading across Gaza right now, and the severe, acute humanitarian crisis. USAID expects to provide a quarter of that, she said. Globally, she said at the Georgia factory, the treatment made there will save untold lives, millions of lives. USAID is coordinating with the UN World Food Programme and other humanitarian partners and governments on security and distribution for the pier project, while US military forces finish building it. President Joe Biden, under pressure to do more to ease the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza as the US provides military support for Israel, announced the project in early March. US Central Command said in a statement Friday that offshore assembly of the floating pier has been temporarily paused due to high winds and sea swells, which caused unsafe conditions for soldiers. The partially built pier and the military vessels involved have gone to Israel's Port of Ashdod, where the work will continue. A US official said the high seas will delay the installation for several days, possibly until later next week. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss operation details, said the pause could last longer if the bad weather continues because military personnel and divers have to get into the water for the final installation. The United Nations has been muted about its role in the aid deliveries. We want to see more land operations. This is a sea operation,'' UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday. ''We are working with them, but obviously we have certain parameters that need to be respected, notably the basic humanitarian principles that we have of independence and being free from all sorts of military. The struggles this week with the first aid delivery through a newly reopened land corridor into north Gaza underscored the uncertainty about security and the danger still facing relief workers. Israeli settlers blocked the convoy before it crossed Wednesday. Once inside Gaza, the convoy was commandeered by Hamas militants, before UN officials reclaimed it. In Gaza, the nutritional treatment for starving children is most urgently needed in the northern part of the Palestinian territory. Civilians have been cut off from most aid supplies, bombarded by Israeli airstrikes and driven into hiding by fighting. Acute malnutrition rates among children under 5 have surged from 1 per cent before the war to 30 per cent five months later, the USAID official said. The official called it the fastest such climb in hunger in recent history, more than in grave conflicts and food shortages in Somalia or South Sudan. One of the few medical facilities still operating in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan hospital, is besieged by parents bringing in thousands of children with malnutrition for treatment, the official said. Aid officials believe many more starving children remain unseen and in need, with families unable to bring them through fighting and checkpoints for care. Saving the gravely malnourished children in particular requires both greatly increased deliveries of aid and sustained calm in fighting, the official said, so that aid workers can set up treatment facilities around the territory and families can safely bring children in for the sustained treatment needed.
651 Maoist-Sensitive Polling Stations in Agency 2 Choppers To Fly Poll Officials
Picture used for representation purpose. Photo: PTI Picture used for representation purpose. Photo: PTI Visakhapatnam: The police in Alluri Sitarama Raju and Parvathipuram districts are focusing on Maoist-influenced polling stations for conducting the elections in a smooth manner on May 13. Cops in the two districts have identified 651 LWE sensitive and 238 law and order problem polling stations. A police official in ASR district said that they have identified 610 Left Wing Extremist sensitive and 85 law and order sensitive stations out of the total 1021 polling stations. The district election officer has arranged two helicopters to fly the polling officials to Gruttedu under Y Ramavaram mandal of Rampachodavaram assembly constituency. Funds have been sanctioned early to install cell towers and improve roads to several polling stations in the district. We have set up check posts and are frisking suspicious persons at various locations in the district, said a police officer. Araku Lok Sabha seat (ST), which consists of LWE affected assembly segments like Paderu, Araku Valley, Rampachodavaram, Parvathipuram and Saluru, will go to polls on May 13. The official said 30 polling booths in Chintoor and Munchingput mandals have been shifted due to the Maoist threat perception. The special police launched an area-domination exercise in the bordering areas of Odisha and Chhattisgarh after a large number of Maoists were neutralized in Chhattisgarh, to ensure they do not cross over to AP via the Odisha border, he added. The outlawed Maoists recently released a pamphlet in Munchingput and other areas close to the Odisha border, appealing to the people to boycott the elections. Maoists had shot down Araku MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao and his predecessor Siveri Soma in Livitput village near Araku Valley on September 23, 2018, some 10 months before the 2019 elections. In Parvathipuram Manyam district, out of the total 981 polling stations, 41 have been identified as Maoist-sensitive and 153 law and order problem stations.
Gaza Aid: New Sea Route Opens, USAID Prioritizes Treating Starving Children
Gaza Aid: New Sea Route Opens, USAID Prioritizes Treating Starving Children The United States expects to have on-the-ground arrangements in Gaza ready for humanitarian workers to start delivering food, treatment for starving children and other urgent assistance by early to mid-month when the American military expects to complete a floating pier for the aid, an official with the US Agency for International Development said. But aid coming through the new US-led maritime route still will serve only a fraction half a million people of those who need help in Gaza, the USAID official stressed to The Associated Press. They are some of the agency's first comments on the status of preparations for the Biden administration's USD 320 million Gaza pier project, for which USAID is helping coordinate on-the-ground security and distribution. Meanwhile, at a factory in southern Georgia, USAID Administrator Samantha Power is due later Friday to announce a USD 200 million investment to ramp up US production of emergency nutritional treatment for starving children under 5, as conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Haiti and elsewhere drive up the need. USAID made one of the officials working on humanitarian operations in Gaza available for an interview ahead of Power's announcement on the condition the official not be identified, citing security concerns given the person's work in conflicts. With the Israel-Hamas war stretching close to seven months and Israel restricting humanitarian aid, half of Gaza's 2.3 million people are at imminent risk of famine, international health officials say. Under pressure from the US and others, Israeli officials in recent weeks have begun slowly reopening some border crossings for relief shipments. Children under 5 are among the first to die when wars, droughts or other disasters curtail food. Hospital officials in northern Gaza reported the first deaths from hunger in early March and said most of the dead were children. USAID is coordinating with the UN World Food Program, Israel and many others on security and distribution for the pier project, while US military forces finish building it for the aid deliveries by ship. President Joe Biden, under pressure to do more to ease the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza as the US provides military support for Israel, announced the pier project in early March. US Central Command said in a statement Friday that the offshore assembly of the floating pier has been temporarily paused due to high winds and sea swells, which caused unsafe conditions for the soldiers. The partially built pier and the military vessels involved have gone to the Port of Ashdod and will continue the work there. A US official said the high seas will delay the installation for several days, possibly until later next week. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss operation details, said the pause could last longer if the bad weather continues because military personnel and divers have to get into the water to do some of the final installation. The United Nations has been muted about its role in the aid deliveries. We want to see more land operations. This is a sea operation,'' UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday. ''We are working with them, but obviously we have certain parameters that need to be respected, notably the basic humanitarian principles that we have of independence and being free from all sorts of military. The struggles with the first aid delivery through a newly reopened land corridor into north Gaza on Wednesday underscored the uncertainty about security and the danger still facing relief workers. Israeli settlers blocked the convoy before it crossed, and then Hamas militants diverted a World Food Program truck inside Gaza before it made it to its destination. Power was at a factory in Fitzgerald, Georgia, one of only two in the US making a nutrient-packed paste. The ready-to-use therapeutic food, known as RUTF, is designed as a life-saving treatment to be given in a controlled clinical setting for starving children under 5. In Gaza, the paste is most urgently needed in the northern part of the Palestinian territory. Civilians have been cut off from most aid supplies, bombarded by Israeli airstrikes and driven into hiding by fighting. Acute malnutrition rates among children under 5 have surged from 1 per cent before the war to 30 per cent five months later, the USAID official said. The official called it the fastest such climb in hunger in recent history, more than in grave conflicts and food shortages in Somalia or South Sudan. One of the few medical facilities still operating in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan hospital, is besieged by parents bringing in thousands of children with malnutrition for treatment, the official said. Aid officials believe many more starving children remain unseen and in need, with families unable to bring them through fighting and checkpoints for care. Saving the gravely malnourished children in particular requires both greatly increased deliveries of aid and sustained calm in fighting, the official said, so that aid workers can set up treatment facilities around the territory and families can safely bring children in for the sustained treatment needed.
Muslim principal of Mumbai school asked to resign for views on Gaza war
The management of Somaiya School in Mumbais Vidyavihar area asked its principal to resign after she was accused of posting about the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict as well as domestic politics on social media platform X, TNIE reported. Identified as Parveen Shaikh, the principal was targeted by OPIndia, a right-wing media outlet that has often been Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Mumbai: School principal asked to resign after Hindutva site targets her
A principal of the Somaiya School in Vidyavihar,Mumbai, has been forced to step down from her position due to her alleged social media activity regarding the Palestine-Israel conflict and the ongoing killings in Gaza. The decision was made by the school body after OpIndia, a pro-Hindutva website, published an article targeting the principal Parveen Shaikh Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
The IE editorial says that the silver lining in this episode is Somaiya School principal Parveen Shaikh refusing to resign and asserting her constitutional rights and sense of professional responsibility. It is, however, usual practice of an average terror sympathiser to invoke constitutional rights, freedom of expression and whatnot when their contentious behaviour sparks public outrage.
Nothing, Just Milind Soman And Ankita Konwar Redefining Couple Goals
Milind Soman and his wife Ankita arrived hand in hand to attend the Style Icons event.
Kerala: Man ends life after Congress-run bank fails to return deposit
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : A 52-year-old Neyyattinkara resident died by suicide on Thursday after the Congress-helmed Perumpazhuthoor Service Co-operative Bank allegedly delayed release of deposits he had saved for his daughters marriage. Somasagaram Y consumed pesticide on April 19, and was undergoing treatment at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. The Marayamuttom police have registered a case of unnatural death. An officer said Somasagaram had deposited his earnings from plantain cultivation and masonry work totalling Rs 5 lakh in the bank, and planned to use the savings to get his daughter Sumi married and renovate his house, which was in a dilapidated state. His father Yesudas said his Somasagaram had been seeking to withdraw the deposit for the past six months. However, the officials allegedly kept declining his requests. The bank administration killed my son.He had saved every single rupee earned from agriculture and masonry work for his daughters marriage. He also wanted to renovate the house, as the roof could come down crashing any moment. He visited the bank multiple times on the dates they had given. But, they did not dispense the cash, and sent him back on one pretext or the other, said Yesudas. Banks version The bank officials said they had released about Rs 1 lakh, in bits on various occasions, and claimed that they did not know that Somasagaram was so hard-pressed. He always spoke calmly, so we did not realise the urgency. We release funds based on urgency of the depositors. Somasagaram had told us that he needed cash to renovate his house, but we did not know he was on verge of suicide, said bank secretary (in-charge) Jaya Kumari.
Somaiya principle row: Probe still on, says school
Shaikh says management has asked for her resignation verbally, but has not met her since April 26
Sanjeev Ahluwalia | Will Robin Hood taxes be the answer for India?
India's net direct tax collection surged over 19 per cent to Rs 14.71 lakh crore till January 11, reaching about 81 per cent of the full-year target. (Representational Image) India's net direct tax collection surged over 19 per cent to Rs 14.71 lakh crore till January 11, reaching about 81 per cent of the full-year target. (Representational Image) Behind the din of whether the Congress Party is likely, as alleged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to tax wealth and inheritance if it comes to power, lies the stratagem of signalling to the top 10 per cent of Indians, whose share in the national income surged from 45 per cent in 1981 to 64.6 per cent by 2023, that only the BJP lies between them and the deep sea of marauding socialists and other opportunists. It proved effective too by provoking the Congress, now lulled into a habitually reactive mode, to go all out to deny the allegation. The question is -- why did they bother? The share of Congress voters in the top 10 per cent by wealth is likely to be negligible. The BJP has been good for urban business, professionals and government servants who are the majority in this population segment. The Congress best shot at power, as of all other Opposition parties, is to tap the seething resentment amongst the have-nots. Farmers, workers and the minorities together are more than one half of the voters. The neatly devised Mahalakshmi scheme of the Congress manifesto targets 220 million poor via an assured direct transfer of Rs 0.1 million per year payable to the oldest woman in a poor family. This should cost around Rs 4.4 trillion (for 44 million poor families), or about 1.4 per cent of the GDP this year. At present this promise hangs in the air with no identified source of finance. Will this come at the expense of the Garib Kalyan Yojna, which now provides free food to 110 million people, which costs about Rs 2.05 trillion, and the end of cheap fertiliser costing another Rs 1.64 trillion? The alternative is to pancake it onto the existing welfare schemes, that will enhance the fiscal deficit from a projected, already high 5.1 per cent to an even more unsustainable 6.5 per cent. Are the BJPs dreams being countered with even bigger Congress dreams? Had the Congress acted true to its voter base, it could have proposed a new tax on wealth and inheritance. The share in wealth of the top one per cent (10 million) individuals increased from 12.5 in 1981 to 39.5 per cent in 2023 as per Bharti, Chancel, Piketty and Somanchi (2024). Marxist writers Patnaik and Ghosh assess the potential of a 2 per cent wealth tax and 33 per cent inheritance tax levied on this set at Rs 12.1 trillion in 2018. That the Congress shunned this bold approach reflects the dilemma of all middle-of-the-road parties. Politics and not economic theory drives tax policy in India. The politically docile, urban middle class is the only cash cow now available which spends more than one half its income on Union, state, or municipal tax compliance. Liberal capitalistic economic opinion warns that resurrecting wealth and inheritance tax is a distraction. India should instead focus on accelerating growth with fiscal stability, the benefits from which overshadow a tax funded redistributive tax policy. Far better, they say, to incentivise earning Rs 100 than to give the same as a tax-funded dole. Far better to incentivise new private sector jobs than to increase tax-funded expensive government jobs. There is merit in this argument. Sadly, the external conditions are not supportive. Global growth is low, which is sinking all boats. Automation, robotics, and AI are likely to squeeze human employment. Tax policy traditionally favours capital investment via tax rebates, rather than human capital development -- the key resource in a service-led economy. The wealth of an economy is the competitiveness of its workforce and the efficacy and resilience of its institutions, not the volume of land or physical and financial capital alone. An additional 300 million Indians will boost the population by 2060. Enhancing public expenditure for education and healthcare are, consequently, the surest way to dilute constraints on economic growth, with lightly regulated private industry and services generating new jobs. Memories are short in the social media age. India has a history of wealth appropriation. Ceilings on the ownership of land were imposed in the 1970s through state government-level legislation and surplus land was redistributed. In 1971, the privy purses -- guaranteed amounts under the Constitution, paid annually to the erstwhile hereditary rulers of colonial India in exchange for their voluntarily merging with India -- were terminated and judicial scrutiny of the Constitution-amending act barred under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Large-scale nationalisation of industry followed. No government since has implemented privatisation of Indias mammoth public sector, after Atal Behari Vajpayees 2000-2003 push floundered. In 1978, Prime Minister Morarji Desai of the Janata Party diluted the fundamental right to property, making it subject to legislated constraints. In 1985, the Estates Duty Act 1953, a quasi-inheritance tax, was abolished by Rajiv Gandhis Congress government. In 2015, the wealth tax of 1955 was abolished by Narendra Modis first government, citing low revenue performance. So, are new taxes on wealth and inheritance the answer to the twin problems of unfunded welfare and infrastructure needs -- the latter increased by the investment demands of the energy transition and low revenue collections of around 19 per cent of current GDP for Union and state government combined? This is a chicken and egg question. The generation of private, domestic wealth is a choice to defer present consumption for future gains via investment -- a significant input into economic growth. Bleeding the rich and the near-rich can reduce the incentive for savings-led investment in India. The establishment of the Gift City in Gujarat as an international financial hub insulated from the domestic economy only serves to preserve a part of the resultant value addition from international financial transactions, as do Singapore, London, or New York. The outward flow of domestic capital is still regulated. The INR is still a managed currency. Taxing wealth or inheritance can aggravate the undesirable, financial sub-culture of undercover operations, to stash wealth overseas in tax havens. Far better to make India a competitive and efficient economy first, which attracts more capital than it exports -- like the United States. Once this is achieved, imposing a wealth and/or inheritance tax to generate public resources and level the playing field across individuals becomes an option. More likely though, the process of making the economy competitive would automatically build human capital and create enough merit-based opportunities, making family wealth only a residual input into the future value of an individual. Social divisions like caste might also matter less. Till we get to Ram Rajya (good governance), populist, Robin Hood-style quick fixes can only score a self-goal.
The Left and Islamist ecosystem has jumped to defend Parveen Shaikh, principal of Somaiya school, who supports Hamas
I will strive to develop Atmakur industrially: Mekapati Vikram Reddy
Mekapati Vikram Reddys entry into politics was unexpected. Following the untimely demise of his brother and the then IT and Industries Minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy, he contested the byelection to the Atmakur Assembly constituency in 2022 and won with a huge majority of 82,888 votes. Now, he is in the fray from the same Assembly constituency for the second consecutive time to keep the stranglehold of the Mekapati family on Atmakur. In an interview with D Surendra Kumar, Mekapati Vikram Reddy revealed his plans to develop the Assembly constituency on all fronts. How do you assess your opponent Anam Ramanarayana Reddy of TDP, who won the Assembly seat in 2009? The constituency did not achieve any significant development during the tenure of Anam. Contrary to that, Atmakur has witnessed tremendous development in the last five years. The people, who got benefited from the welfare schemes and development programmes implemented by the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government, are not ready to believe Anam, who is claiming it may be his last electoral battle, to reach out to them. Do you have any plans or special manifesto to develop Atmakur? I have plans to develop Atmakur industrially to generate large scale employment opportunities, besides emphasizing infrastructure growth. I have envisaged a plan to generate employment opportunities to 5,000 local youth by setting up more MSMEs in the industrial park at Narampeta. This initiative aims to boost economic growth in the region. Completion of the Somasila High-Level Canal and the development of irrigation canals in the constituency to ensure adequate supply of water to agricultural land is my priority. Additionally, it has been proposed to construct cement roads and side canals and develop other basic amenities with a total investment of Rs 419 crore to improve the quality of life people in the constituency. Emphasis will also be laid on the development of recreation facilities. A park and a walking track will be laid at Atmakur tank as part of the initiative. I will strive to implement a plan to provide protected drinking water to every household in Atmakur town and Sangam villages in the next five years. What is the reason for the delay in execution of Somasila High Level Canal, which is a crucial project to meet the drinking and irrigation needs of Atmakur and Udayagiri constituencies? The project has faced setbacks in the form of land acquisition, besides inaccuracies and irregularities during the previous TDP regime. This has led to an escalation of the project cost. The YSRC government is committed to completing the Somasila High Level Canal on a priority basis to solve the irrigation and drinking water problem in the region on a permanent basis. What is the peoples response to your election campaign? I am getting an overwhelming response from the people in both urban and rural areas of the constituency during the electioneering. The people are expressing immense satisfaction over the implementation of development programmes and welfare schemes in the last five years. Im confident of my victory in the election.
India Braces for Extreme Weather: Heatwaves and Thunderstorms Predicted For These States
The weather department has issued warnings across India for extreme heat and thunderstorms over the next few days. In Gangetic West Bengal, a red alert has been issued for a severe heatwave lasting three days. Odisha faces a two-day heatwave alert. Meanwhile, East India has been placed under an orange alert for the next 3-5 days. IMD scientist Soma Sen anticipates a slight drop in temperatures starting from May 5 due to increased moisture. From May 4, South Peninsular India, including states like Telangana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, will experience thunderstorm activity. The IMD attributes the severe heatwave conditions to fewer thunderstorms in East and Northeast India. IMD's Rainfall Predictions: Thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall or snowfall are expected in several northeastern states over the next 5 days. Hailstorms were predicted over Sikkim on May 1. Heavy rainfall is likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya from May 1-2, and over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura from May 1-3. Very heavy rainfall is expected over Arunachal Pradesh on May 1-2, and over parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura on May 2. Rainfall or snowfall with thunderstorms and lightning are expected in northern regions from May 3-6, and over certain parts of North and West India from May 4-6. IMD's Heatwave Predictions: Maximum temperatures ranging from 44-47C will persist over Gangetic West Bengal, East Jharkhand, north Odisha, and Rayalaseema until May 3, followed by a decrease. Severe heatwave conditions are expected over various regions including Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and others on May 1, with a gradual reduction in intensity thereafter. Telangana, Interior Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Yanam are expected to experience heatwave conditions for the next 4-5 days. Hot and humid weather is forecasted for Coast Karnataka, Kerala, and Mahe over the next 5 days. IMD's Maximum Temperature Predictions: Northwest India will see a rise in maximum temperatures by 4-6C in the next 24 hours. East India will experience no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next 48 hours, followed by a decrease of 2-3C. Central India is expected to witness a rise in maximum temperatures by 2-3C over the next 3 days. West India will see no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next 48 hours, followed by a rise of 2-3C. Make a plan to visit this beautiful place with your family in summer, the beauty is limitless How Coconut Water Can Keep You Cool and Hydrated During Summer How Summer Fruits Packed with Vitamin C Boost Your Nutrition
'33% of Indian couples with pregnancy loss showed more CPM levels': Redcliffe study
BENGALURU: Around 33 per cent of couples experiencing repeated pregnancy loss and primary infertility showed a higher prevalence of Chromosome Polymorphisms (CPM). The Redcliffe study analysed 700 couples diagnosed with recurrent pregnancy loss, across India, including Bengaluru, with an objective to investigate the prevalence and possible association of CPM with recurrent pregnancy loss patients. Chromosomal polymorphism (CPM) is the variation in the short arm and nucleolar organizing (NOR) region of the chromosome and is important for the possible association in couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss, unexplained infertility, and other reproductive failure or infertility, said Dr Ashish Fauzdar, Head of Cytogenetics, Redcliffe Labs -- one of the research-driven pan-India diagnostics service providers. Traditionally, chromosome polymorphisms are considered normal variants without clinical significance, however, the Redcliffe study is the first to identify that CPM is significantly linked to recurrent pregnancy losses, said Dr Fauzdar, who led the five-member team that carried out the study. The current burden for recurrent pregnancy losses in India is quite high, at around 7.4%, and a majority of them with no definitive cause for pregnancy loss even after complete recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) workup, Dr Fauzdar said. Dr Fauzdar said, Our study clearly indicates that CPM plays a more significant role than previously thought. While more research is needed, our findings will enable doctors to counsel patients and undertake timely clinical interventions for couples planning future pregnancies after unexplained repeated pregnancy loss. Patients should be counselled on a case-by-case basis, and chromosomal polymorphism plays a big role in prognosis and management of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss in the future, he said.
KOCHI: Little Jayasree woke up to a nagging cry from the backyard of her house where she found her anxious family crowding around the cow in their pen that was due to give birth. The girl was a bit startled at first but her mother assured her all would be fine. There will soon be a Nandini for you to play with, she told her. From then on, Nandini was her playmate. She watched her being bathed and fed and even braved herself to caress and cuddle her. This childhood nostalgia led her to keep a small enclosure in the backyard of her house where she reared two cows. This, she did alongside her job as a teacher. I get enough milk for my family. However, after watching me deal with the cows, many prompted me to go for it as a full-time profession. But that would mean a whole lot of paperwork and then the tussle to get licences, feed, insurance... The list is endless. I am now happy with my small farm, she says, probably after observing the ventures that had to be wound up or curtailed due to the state of affairs. One such venture that was big 10 years ago was the farm run by a former KSRTC employee Vikraman Nair in Angamaly. He had begun it as a supplementary income source, with pension and other perks coming in fits and starts. The venture was doing fine till Covid. We had to wind it up after that because of our inability to keep it going. Government support comes but in trickles. That is not enough to keep the farms running with the high cost of feed (a 50kg KS Supreme cattle feed costs Rs1,500). With insurance norms not being farmer-friendly, and milk prices not rising at par with the expenses when you employ manpower, we had to stop the dream run of our farm. So we now only have two cows just to suffice us and our small supply of curd, says Anisha Soman, Vikraman Nairs daughter-in-law. An elderly farmer attends to cattle at his farm in Thiruvananthapuram There are many such small farms that have wound up, she says. However, there are many which have opened up too but that are either run by people who have backup resources or are a team running such a venture. Green to White farm at Vellayani is such a joint venture, formed by a team of 11 people. Most of the members of the team are employed in other sectors and the farm is their way to destress and fulfil their passion for animals. We were planning to support our friend who had left his job with IndusInd Bank and was into dairy farming. His venture at Sreekaryam had run into trouble and we, in the process of helping him out, procured a farm run by a woman in Vellayani who was facing issues from local politicians. We registered it as a farmer-producer company six months ago. Now, we have 38 cows on the farm, says Prakas G R, a partner of the farm. A farmer-producer company is one of the safest ways to take such ventures forward, say dairy farmers. They point to a lack of support from the government as a reason for more individuals shutting shop. An example is a farmer at Vellayani who had a dairy unit with 10 cows. He is winding it up now because his neighbour complains of a foul smell and other polluting factors. With no help from anywhere to tide over the crisis, the farmer has now decided to call it quits. The pollution certificate is a must for licence renewal. But for that, they sometimes make tall demands, like having three to four acres with no residence in vicitnity for the farm to function. Such spots are rare in the city, says Prakash. Another reason is the stifling scut work that goes behind getting the paperwork done, procuring subsidies or even the unfriendly insurance norms. We have to run behind all these for months. Then the subsidies are hard to come, and they are given as loans to buy cows. But we have to arrange for the infrastructure on our own (the pen, the water supply and drainage system, the waste disposal, et al) which would take a solid Rs 4 to Rs 5 lakh. As regards insurance, cattle have to be insured with a premium of Rs 3,000-Rs 4,000, and it can be claimed only if the cattle dies. Hence, we decided not to go for it and handle things on our own with the money we make from dairy sales, says Sheeba S who runs a unit with about 15 cows. S Sheeba and her daughter at their cattle farm in Thiruvananthapuram She now gets up at 3.30am every day to wash the pen and prepare the animals for milking. We cannot employ a person. If we do that, the cost would be around Rs 20,000-Rs 50,000. So I do whatever can be done with my husband and my daughter, working from 3.30am to 7pm with breaks for food and shower. The income from this has to be managed well. I have door-to-door supply as well as supply to milk cooperative societies, she added. The supply to milk cooperatives alone wont suffice the farmers, most of them say. We may get feed in return for the Rs 43 they provide us but that feed will not give us good yield. So we get good feed from Tamil Nadu, and this again takes investment. On an average day, supplying outdoors will fetch us around Rs 60 and supply to cooperative societies will fetch us Rs 43 to Rs 48, says Jayasree. The Animal Husbandry Department (AHD), however, claims to have a host of programmes that will help farmers plan their activities better. The training sessions that the Livestock Management Training Centre (LMTC) has devised for dairy farmers across the state help prepare them to understand the process of cattle care better and ensure better yield for money, says an LMTC official. A separate agency is being put together as per a Union government scheme called A Help where Kudumbasree members would be trained to take up the role as a link between the department and the dairy units, she says. Also, now marginal farmers are being supported and are being encouraged to expand their unit to a minimum of 10 cows, says Dr Gopakumar T, Public Relations Officer of AHD. This would help them with better output and hence better yield and profit. The census for 2019 says we had a 13 lakh cattle population in the state. The 2024 census will have more, with each unit going through an expansion. However, the AHD officials were not clear about how the insurance facilities would be drafted to meet the requirements of farmers who have over 10 cows. Insurance per panchayat allotment is just for 40 to 50 cows. How would the insurance requirement be met is a question to ponder over. We farmers are very positive and maybe this in turn will prove beneficial for the state. But in that case, it will be our effort more than the governments, says Lakshman C Nair, who runs the Dairy King farm at Puliyarakkonam in Thiruvananthapuram. The techie-turned-farmer caters to premium customers and shops in the city and enjoys every bit of his farm life and the rural milieu. I keep my cattle happy, play them music, care for them so that they give me the best yield, he says with a playful wink.
Bohagar edin observed in Demow College
HT Correspondent SIVASAGAR, April 30: Centre for Performing Art and IQAC, Demow College, observed Bohagar edin with various programmes on Tuesday. Dr Krishnajyoti Handique, principal ,Demow College, lit the ceremonial lamp and said that Bihu is central to the spirit of Assamese nationalism. The students performed hussori, Missing Soman and other ethnic dances. Salman Hussain, []
No Pre-Monsoon Storms in April in 5 Years
Storm clouds moving over Guthrie, Oklahoma on May 30, 2013. The storms dumped up to 20 centimetres of rain on the Oklahoma City area, causing flash flooding that submerged parts of the sprawling metropolitan area that is home to more than 1.3 Visakhapatnam: The country has not witnessed pre-monsoon storms in April in the last five years. This could be the reason for rising temperatures in eastern India and Southern peninsula. In April, the storms over the Bay of Bengal originate over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. These storms initially move northwest and then recurve to head for Myanmar and Bangladesh. There are some exceptions, as the storms are known for defying the norms. These systems deviate from the normal tracks and vitiate the timelines, as well. The storms originating over the Arabian Sea follow similar tracks, moving northwest first and thereafter the entire coastline from Gujarat to Pakistan and Oman- Yemen to Somali coast is open for strike. No storm has formed in the Indian seas in the month of April, for the last 5 years, private weather website Skymet said on Tuesday. The report said in the list was an extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani over the Bay of Bengal in April 2019. Fani was a Cat-V equivalent storm, that formed on April 26, 2019. The cyclone struck Odisha, crossing Puri on May 3, 2019. Between 2020 and 2024, no storm has emerged in April, on either side of our coastline. Since 2009, only three cyclones originate over the Indian Seas in April and all three over the Bay of Bengal. Storm Bijli-2009, Maarutha-2017 and Fani-2019 came up over the Bay of Bengal and struck Bangladesh, Myanmar and India. Andhra Pradesh is facing a 70 percent deficit of rainfall from January till April end this year.
Shinde declares candidates for 2 Mumbai seats, both faced corruption charges
Mumbai: The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Tuesday announced Ravindra Waikar and Yamini Jadhav as its candidates from Mumbai North West and Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituencies. Both the candidates have been facing corruption allegations, particularly by the BJP. Waikar is going to contest against Shiv Sena UBT candidate Amol Kirtikar, who is also being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate over the alleged Khichadi scam during Covid pandemic. So far Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena has announced 12 candidates. BJP led Mahayuti is yet to announce their candidates from Nashik, Palghar and Thane constituencies. The BJP wanted to contest the Mumbai South seat by fielding its candidate Mangal Prabhat Lodha or Maharashtra Assembly speaker Rahul Narvekar but the Shiv Sena refused to give up the seat. When Yamini Jadhav and her husband Yashwant Jadhav was with Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena (undivided), the ED had issued summons to Yashwant in connection with the alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act in May 2022.Yashwant is ex-chairman of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporations (BMC) standing committee. The ED's summons was based on the searches conducted by the income tax (I-T) department on several premises linked to Yashwant Jadhav and his wife Yamini Jadhav. Senior BJP leader and former Lok Sabha member Kirit Somaiya had also made serious allegations of Rs 1,000 crore money laundering against Yashwant Jadhav and Yamini Jadhav. He had alleged that the couple had bought 36 buildings with 1000 flats/shops/offices in Mumbai within 24 months. After vertical split of Shiv Sena by Eknath Shinde, Yashwant and Yamini joined the Shinde faction. Yamini is currently MLA from Byculla Assembly constituency, which is one of the Assembly segments of the Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat. Mr. Waikar was considered to be a close associate of Uddhav Thackeray. He is MLA from Jogeshwar. He joined the Eknath Shinde faction in March 2024. Waikar is facing investigations by the ED (Enforcement Directorate) and Mumbai Polices EOW (Economic Offences Wing) in connection with construction of a luxury hotel on a plot owned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). In March 2023, Somaiya accused Waikar of illegally obtaining approval for a five-star hotel on a plot reserved for a garden, causing a loss to the BMC. He also filed a complaint to Mumbai Polices EOW. Elections will take place in all six Lok Sabha constituencies of Mumbai in the fifth phase on May 20. The last date for filing nomination is May 3. BJP has fielded Mihir Kotecha, Piyush Goyal and Ujjwal Nikam from Mumbai North East, Mumbai North and Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seats respectively. The remaining three Mumbai seats will be contested by the Shiv Sena, including Mumbai South Central, where sitting MP Rahul Shewale is the NDA candidate.
Dalit literature: Decoding voices of resistance and despair | The Hindu On Books podcast
In this episode, Soma Basu reviews books by diverse authors that enrich the Dalit history month, celebrated every year in April.
Limited space in outer space, ISRO dodges 23 collisions
BENGALURU: With the growing demand in the space sector, last year, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) witnessed over 1,37,565 close approach alerts for its space assets on the US Space Command (USSPACECOM). The space agency was able to carry out successful collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAMs) for the satellites after re-assessing these threats and saving them from crashing into space debris or other space objects. The data was revealed in the annual report released by S Somanath, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO, titled Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023 and has been compiled by ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM). According to ISSAR, a total of 3,033 alerts for close approaches within a distance of 1 km were detected for ISRO satellites and 2,700 close approaches were found with other operational satellites within 5 km. ISRO said 23 CAMs were used to protect the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geo-synchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), the highest till date. This can be attributed to the increasing space debris and frequent launches globally leading to congestion in outer space. In 2022, the space agency performed 22 CAMs. On certain occasions, scientists carried out coordination with other international agencies like SpaceX, EUMETSAT and more. However, none of the close approaches were critical enough to warrant a CAM. Data on Collision Avoidance Analysis (COLA) for Launch Vehicles revealed that there was a necessary four-second delay in Chandrayaan-3s launch or it would have been hit by debris and India would have missed the iconic feet. Similar was the case for DS-SAR (developed under a partnership with the Government of Singapore and ST Engineering). The lift-off had to be delayed by one minute to avoid close approaches between Starlink satellites and the injected satellites due to overlapping operations. ISSAR emphasised that the increasing population of active satellites require Space Traffic Management (STM). Unlike air and marine traffic, no universally accepted framework for STM exists at present, hence the resolution of an on-orbit close approach between two active satellites is carried out on case-by-case by inter-operator coordination warned the report. The experts also believe that space activities need to be made sustainable. It must be recognised by all space actors that, unlike terrestrial activities, any activity in space has potentially global and far-reaching implications, and near-Earth space is a finite resource that must be utilized responsibly to harness it for societal benefits, said the report. CHOCK-A-BLOCK 3,143 objects originating from 212 launches and on-orbit break-up events were added to the space object population in 2023 compared to 2,533 objects from 179 launches in 2022 69 fragmented objects added to space debris in 2023. India has 22 satellites in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and 29 in GEO (Geo-synchronous Earth Orbit) 21 Indian satellites have re-entered the atmosphere till the end of 2023. 52 PSLV-C3 debris were still in orbit till the end of 2023 A total of 5 Indian satellites, 46 foreign satellites, and 8 rocket bodies (including POEM-2) were placed in their intended orbits
Check Out The Music Video Of The Latest Hindi Song Jaane Kaise Sung By Somanshu
Enjoy the latest Hindi song Jaane Kaise sung by Somanshu. The music for this captivating track has been composed by Somanshu and Rutvxk, with heartfelt lyrics penned by Somanshu and Yash Narvekar. The music video for Jaane Kaise has been skillfully directed by Siddharth Ahuja. Don't miss the opportunity to watch the latest Hindi video song Jaane Kaise, by Somanshu and immerse yourself in its mesmerizing melodies. For more Hindi songs, be sure to visit the music videos section of Hindi ETimes. Experience the musical prowess of Somanshu, New Video Songs of 2024, Somanshu and Rutvxk songs, Hindi Gana Video Song, Siddharth Ahuja music videos and Somanshu and Yash Narvekar songs.
Roadside blast kills six telecoms workers on outskirts of Somali capital
Roadside blast kills six telecoms workers on outskirts of Somali capital A roadside explosion killed six Hormuud Telecom employees on the outskirts of the Somali capital Mogadishu on Sunday, the company said. Hormuud Telecom said in a statement that its employees were killed in a oadside bomb attack in the Garasbaley district. No one has claimed responsibility. Al Qaeda-linked militant group al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for similar bombing incidents in the past. Al Shabaab has waged an insurgency in Somalia for nearly two decades, launching attacks on civilian and military targets. It wants to topple the federal government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of Sharia law.
Private players will make space more accessible: ISRO chief
ISRO Chairman S Somanath expressed optimism about the role of private players in advancing space technology, citing SpaceX's success. He highlighted the importance of government support for private companies and mentioned Indian companies like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos already working in the field. Somanath also shared updates on Chandrayaan-4, part of India's moon exploration program, aiming to land on the moon in 2040. The interaction with space enthusiasts, part of ISRO's outreach efforts, lasted an hour and will continue in May.
Nadikar trailer: Tovino Thomas plays an insensitive, self-occupied Malayalam superstar
Directed by Lal Jr. and penned by Suvin Somasekharan, Nadikar boasts the technical expertise of editor Ratheesh Raj and cinematographer Alby
Atmakur Witnessing Mekapati or Anam Dynastic Tussle
Tirupati: The electoral battle in Atmakur Assembly constituency is a litmus test for two powerful dynasties Mekapatis and Anams with the long-pending Somasila High Level Canal becoming a decisive issue. Ruling YSRCs incumbent MLAMekapati Vikram Reddy is seeking re-election for a second term. He faces a formidable challenge from the opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, a former minister and YSRC rebel. Ramanarayana Reddy had previously won from Atmakur in 2009. Vikram had won the Atmakur seat in the 2022 by-poll, after his brother and former minister Goutham Reddy's demise. The Mekapati clan wields considerable clout in the region, while Anam boasts of a robust cadre built over the years in the constituency. As the D-day approaches, campaigning has hit a feverish pitch with no-holds-barred rhetoric from both camps. A core electoral issue is Somasila reservoir's potential to meet irrigation and drinking needs of Atmakur. This need has remained a need due to delays in making the Somasila High Level Canal (SHLC) a reality. Atmakur's farmers are staring at ruin due to water scarcity. The incumbent YSRC government has not demonstrated sincerity in completing this project and irrigating the parched lands, charges Ramanarayana Reddy. Speaking about the time (2014 to 2024) subsequent to his departure from the constituency, during which Atmakur has stayed under the control of Mekapati family, the TDP candidate describes the period as a dark phase, characterised by stagnation and lack of progress on the developmental front. Ramanarayana Reddy terms Mekapatis Atmakur Development Forum (ADF) a decorative tin cover which conceals the failures in development. Vikram Reddy, however, remains unfazed. He is vigorously campaigning around ADF's blueprint of upgrading civic amenities through public-private partnership models. The agenda of ADF encompasses sprucing up healthcare, education, roads and drainage infrastructure through collective action involving community leaders, experts, individuals and corporates through CSR initiatives. ADF will catalyse inclusive growth by bringing all stakeholders on board, the YSRC MLA claims. Vikram has unveiled a manifesto tailored specifically for Atmakur, detailing strategies for industrial growth, infrastructure enhancement, employment generation and turning Atmakur town into a municipality. Our manifesto pledges to set up factories at the Narampet industrial park, creating over 5,000 job opportunities. Additionally, YSRC plans to earmark 419 crore to finalise the SHLC project and enhance irrigation canals in the area. This will ensure effective water management and boost agricultural output, the MLA stated.
Telangana HC confirms imprisonment of corrupt officer
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court confirmed the jail sentence on an assistant engineer, who took bribes 20 years ago from a sub-contractor, for releasing bills for laying the road from Ramagudam to Pandavarigudem. Earlier, the ACB court had found that Soma Raghavender was guilty of receiving `20,000 bribe for releasing a `1 lakh pending bill and 19 tonnes of rice and ordered one year RI. The convicted officer told the court that the sub-contractor had developed a grudge on him for the demolition of his shop in government land. Hence, he approached the ACB, which said that the officer had given a statement that the sub-contractor had paid him that amount as loan. Justice Surender said that the contentions of the officer were disproved. In the event of the officer demolishing the shop of the sub-contractor, the question of asking for a loan was highly improbable. The judge observed that the burden that is shifted on to the accused can be discharged by preponderance of probability. No promissory note was executed nor any receipt given for taking the loan. Hence, the charges cannot be discharged, the judge said. HC disposes suit over nawabs properties Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has recently disposed of a civil suit, which has been pending since 1951, and is related to property disputes among legal heirs of Nawab Fakhr-ul-Mulk, who died in 1934 leaving behind five sons and four daughters. He possessed properties like Erram Manzil with adjacent land measuring Acs.22.00 relating to Erram manzil. Remaining land adjacent to Erram Manzil, meant for sale measuring Acs. 75.27 gts., bungalow Errum Numa, Yerragadda, after deducting the land of Maqbara, measuring Acs.59.00, a bungalow at Bolarum, among others. His second son Nawab Fakhar Jung died in 1936 leaving behind eight sons, eleven daughters and four wives. The suit was originally between Nawab Ghaji Jung, first son of Nawab Fakhr-ul-Mulk, and heirs of Nawab Fakhar Jung. The suit was filed on 15.05.1946 and the plaint was presented on 30.8.1951. Disputes over some of the properties were resolved in 1951 only by the preliminary decree, which is pending for final decree. The High Court had appointed a receiver-cum commissioner from 1951 onwards. However, the new receiver-cum-commissioner Nizamuddin was appointed in 2022. He submitted a report dated 16.03.2023, which said that no land was available for partition. The report said that the maqbara (graveyard) in Ameerpet was still available and it was desirable to save this heritage. The report also submitted that as per information an amount of `1,18,81,249 is available in the suit account. HC confirms imprisonment of corrupt officerThe court said that the amount belongs to the shareholders who have not claimed the amount so far. In order to safeguard the amount, the court directed that it be kept in fixed deposits in any nationalized bank. When a shareholder approaches and claims the amount, such claim shall be decided by the court.
On Possibility Of Fully Sustainable Space Colony, ISRO Chief Said...
When Indian Space Research Organisation chairman S Somanath threw the floor open for questions over Instagram on Saturday, not only did people want to know about next Chandrayaan, asteroid missions and space stations.
Heatwave conditions in North India less likely amid surge in thunderstorm activities: IMD scientist
IMD's Soma Sen Roy predicts reduced heatwave risks in North India with thunderstorms. Orange alert for dusty winds. Severe heatwave conditions expected in Gangetic West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh for 2-5 days.
Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme panel open to summoning anyone
HYDERABAD: Uncertainity looms over whether former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao will be summoned by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, heading a judicial commission investigating the irregularities and corruption allegations in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme. When TNIE posed the same question to Justice Ghose, who commenced his work at the BRKR Bhavan on Thursday, he shot back: Do you want me to summon him? When TNIE reminded that Justice BK Somasekhara, the one-man Commission of Inquiry that probed into the alleged scam in paying compensation for the land acquired for the Yeleru canal in combined Andhra Pradesh summoned former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Justice Ghose said that functioning and thinking of one judicial commission would be different from other. He, however, hastened to add that facts were more important than faces. He was also non-committal about summoning KCR. He, however, said that if needed, they would summon anyone. The Commission issued a notification seeking suggestions from the public on Kaleshwaram. Once the Commission receives the information, then it may summon the engineering officials involved in the construction works and the representatives of contracting agencies of KLIS to depose before it. The Commission would also study the Vigilance and Enforcement report on Medigadda and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on KLIS. It also requested the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) to give its preliminary report immediately. Justice Ghose told TNIE that he would visit Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages in his next visit to the state. The deadline for him to submit the report is June 30. However, the Commission wants to give its report at the earliest. Uttam meets Justice Ghose, expects NDSA report on KLIS in next 4 days Earlier, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Irrigation Secretary Rahul Bojja and Special Secretary Irrigation Prashant Patil paid a courtesy call on Justice PC Ghose. Uttam said that they were expecting NDSA report on KLIS in next four days. He said that the government would follow the suggestions given by NDSA. Notification issued The Ghose Commission issued a public notice seeking suggestions from the public on Kaleshwaram on Thursday. The general public is hereby informed that, they can submit their representations/allegations or grievances with evidence in the form of notarised sworn in affidavit only in a sealed envelope. Any representation without evidence or without sworn in affidavit shall not be entertained by this Commission. Sealed envelopes can be put in a drop box at the Commission office till May 31, from 11 am to 3 pm on working days in the Peshi of the Commission, located at the BRKR Bhavan, Tank Bund Road, Hyderabad. The state government in exercise of powers conferred by Section (3) of Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952 (Central Act No 60 of 1952), has appointed Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, former Judge of Supreme Court, to conduct inquiry on certain allegations of irregularities and embezzlement of public funds by corrupt practices in constructing of barrages of Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla reservoirs of Kaleshwaram project.
Benefits of Practicing Somatic Yoga Movements
Increased body awareness: Somatic yoga encourages a heightened awareness of internal sensations, helping individuals become more attuned to their bodies. The post Benefits of Practicing Somatic Yoga Movements appeared first on HealthyLife | WeRIndia .
Slow Moving Somatic Yoga Poses
Following Five Somatic yoga poses are generally practiced in Somatic yoga. These are modifications of traditional yoga with very slow movements The post Slow Moving Somatic Yoga Poses appeared first on HealthyLife | WeRIndia .
Difference Between Traditional and Somatic Yoga
Other differences between traditional and somatic yoga involve Yogis ultimate goal, breath awareness and posture alignment The post Difference Between Traditional and Somatic Yoga appeared first on HealthyLife | WeRIndia .
How somatic yoga is different from traditional yoga?
Somatic yoga originated from traditional yoga. It is modification of traditional yoga for specific reasons and the practice of certain poses The post How somatic yoga is different from traditional yoga? appeared first on HealthyLife | WeRIndia .
Gentle Somatic Yoga -Slow Mindful Movements For Stress Release And Overall Well Being
Somatic yoga typically refers to a style of yoga that incorporates principles of somatic movement. Somatic movement involves a deep awareness The post Gentle Somatic Yoga -Slow Mindful Movements For Stress Release And Overall Well Being appeared first on HealthyLife | WeRIndia .
Girl trampled to death by jumbo
Joda: A 20-year-old girl was trampled to death by an elephant Thursday at a jungle near Gurutuan village under Champua forest range in Keonjhar district. The deceased was identified as Somabari Munda, a native of the same village under Jajang panchayat. She was on her way to her maternal grandfathers house using a road through []
According to Somaiya Trust, it would probe the matter and expressed disagreement with the statements made by principal Parveen Shaikh
Africa should deploy development planning as transformative tool to advance SDGs
Africa should deploy development planning as transformative tool to advance SDGs African countries should effectively deploy development planning as a transformative tool to strengthen resilience and sustainable development in an era of unrelenting crises, according to panelists at a side event on development planning titled Leveraging Digital Technologies for Integrated Planning to Advance the SDGs and Agenda 2063 in Times of Multiple Crisis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event was organized virtually by the Macroeconomics and Governance Division (MGD) and the Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa (SRO-EA) of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) at the ongoing 10th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary (ECA) said global development agendas such as the Millennium Development Goals and Poverty Reduction Strategies have shaped countries' development priorities by encouraging a focus on social development and the eradication of extreme poverty. Development planning in Africa is now being influenced by both the Sustainable Development Goals and the Continental agenda, Agenda 2063: The Africa we want, said Mr. Pedro. Collectively, these agendas have placed sustainability, ethical and responsible use of technology, climate action, investment, industrialization as well as human-centered development at the heart of the development agenda, and tasked development planners to revisit their development priorities and paradigms to align accordingly. The other agendas that African countries are committed to, he said, include the Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries, the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Countries, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Sendai Framework on disaster risk reduction. Hassan Hosow, Executive Director, National Executive council of Somalia said despite having emerged from civil war, the country has made significant progress in the economic recovery, in fostering peace and security, and has succeeded in the re-establish international relations. As a fragile country he said Somalia requires a long term vision for development not just for the immediate post-debt relief, post-Al Shabaab arms embargo. This he said will require political commitment, national leadership with the right institutional arrangements. Alastaire Alinsata, Chief of Staff for the Minister of Development and Coordination of Government action in Benin said under the national development plan, the government has prioritized agricultural mechanization, to make sure that people don't have very hard labor in the farms and are able to get better results. To ensure that this is implemented, the government conducts training through the agricultural training schools it has created, said Mr. Alinsata. He added that the government has also set aside a special industrial area of over 10,000 hectares and up to 75% of the area is meant for textile and apparel processing. Bartholomew Armah, Chief of Development Planning in the Macroeconomics and Governance Division at ECA said the ECA has developed a web-based planning tool called the Integrated Planning and Reporting Tool (IPRT) to enhance the responsiveness of planning frameworks to the demands of a rapidly evolving development landscape. The aim is to strengthen the capacity of planning entities to design and implement integrated planning systems and strategies for the attainment of the SDGs and Agenda 2063 is imperative. The IPRT leverages digital technology to enhance precision in the alignment of international commitments with national plans; links budgets to development priorities; identifies gaps in the results framework of national development plans and; tracks performance of national development plans, he said. He noted that current planning approaches tend to be fragmented along sectoral and institutional lines, thereby undermining synergies, and fueling duplication of effort and the sub-optimal use of scarce resources. Hence, it is crucial for countries to have integrated development planning frameworks that reflect countries' national, regional, and global commitments, are aligned with financial frameworks. (With Inputs from APO)
Steps taken to contain wildfires in Nellore
NELLORE: The persisting heatwave-like conditions and sweltering heat have become a driving force for the forest fires in Andhra Pradesh. According to the data from Forest Survey of India, the State has topped the list for the highest number of major forest fire events in the 2023-2024 period since November 1, with a staggering 985 fires reported. To tackle such incidents and to protect the precious green cover, the forest department of Nellore district ha intensified measures to prevent and contain wildfires across the regions with a forest cover of 2.79 lakh hectare, spanning Nellore, Kavali, Udayagiri, Atmakur and Rapur forest ranges. In a proactive move, the department has appointed 170 experts complemented in fire prevention and suppression, complemented by a dedicated team of 90 forest staff stationed at base camps throughout the ranges. The urgency of these efforts was underscored by a recent wildfire that erupted on Tuesday late night in the forest area near the Somasila reservoir. A viral video captured the fierce blaze engulfing the forest, highlighting the severity of the situation. After an extensive fire-fighting operation, officials managed to bring the flames under control. However, the incident served as a stark reminder of the escalating threat of wildfires and the pressing need for proactive measures to safeguard the regions invaluable natural resources. Similarly, a few minor incidents were reported in the Veligonda forest area, further emphasising the importance of vigilance and preparedness. Recognising the importance of community involvement, officials have been actively raising awareness among local tribal communities and residents living in close proximity to the forests. These initiatives focus on promoting conservation, preventing fires, and protecting the regions wildlife. The forests are home to nearly 20 species of animals, with the majority roaming in the Udayagiri, Venkatagiri, Rapur, and Atmakur range areas. Instances of wild animals venturing onto roads and near human habitations in search of water have been reported, prompting the forest officials to take measures to mitigate human-animal conflicts. We have identified 180 small pits in areas frequently visited by animals and arranged 500 tanks and several pits with concrete basements to store rainwater, said Chandrasekhar, District Forest Officer (Territorial). He informed that the water will be filled regularly in all tanks and pits, and measures are also being taken for preventing forest fires. In a further effort to enhance preparedness, the department is planning to set up firelines at every 100-metre interval in selected ranges. These firelines will facilitate rapid communication and enable local forest officials to quickly identify and respond to any fire outbreaks within the forest ranges.
After Shah cancels Tumakuru rally, miffed Kadugollas turn to Congress in Karnataka
BENGALURU: Union Home Minister Amit Shahs rally for backward classes at Kibbanahalli Cross in Tumakuru Lok Sabha constituency, scheduled to be held on Wednesday, was cancelled. He was to campaign for party candidate V Somanna. In 2019, Shah had taken part in the roadshow for sitting MP G S Basavaraju on the last day of the campaign. This time, though preparations were made, the rally was cancelled due to paucity of time, according to sources. We dont know why Shahs rally was cancelled as the decision was made in New Delhi, said a BJP leader. After his roadshow in Bengaluru, Shah left for Kerala where he campaigned for the partys Alappuzha Lok Sabha candidate Shobha Surendran, on Wednesday. Shah has taken on the challenge to defeat senior Congress leader and AICC general secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, said to be Rahul Gandhis Man Friday. Alappuzha also goes to polls on Friday. Back in Tumakuru, a section of Backward Class community members, especially Kadugollas, felt let down as they had expected Shah to commit the ST tag for the community, as promised by former PM HD Deve Gowda. A group of community leaders held a press conference in Tumakuru on Wednesday and extended their support to the Congress. We didnt expect it from Deve Gowda, but expected Amit Shah to make an announcement with regard to the ST tag, said director of Kadugolla Welfare Association DT Sampath Kumar of Maddanakunte in Hiriyur taluk of Chitradurga district. Karnataka Rajya Kadugolla Budakattu Mahasabha president Dr Doddamallaiah claimed that the community has traditionally backed the Congress. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, through a cabinet decision in 2014, recommended ST quota for Kadugollas. He had also given us recognition by including including Kadu Golla and Hatti Golla, as it was mentioned as Golla earlier in the caste list, said Harogere Maranna, general secretary of the association. Another leader from the community, Rajanna, had extended support to the BJP a few days ago, expecting Amit Shah to hold the rally. He had also organised the community members for the event. The community has a presence in 38 taluks of 11 districts in central Karnataka, including Tumakuru, Chitradurga and Hassan. Their population is roughly estimated at 6-7 lakh, and they mostly live as a community in 1,264 hamlets (hattis).
OpIndia found a tweet by Parveen Shaikh, wherein she was seen suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a 'dog' eager to fetch a ball on the command of Chinese Premier Xi Jinping.
Essence of Chandrayaan-3 extends beyond mere call to embrace space studies: ISRO chief Somanath
Kolkata: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somanath has said the essence of Chandrayaan-3 extends beyond a mere call to embrace space studies; it urges participation in the broader realms of engineering and science, fostering a dynamic scientific community. Talking to the PTI here Tuesday, Somanath highlighted the importance of cultivating a scientific pool []
Wildfire In Somasila Forest of Andhra's Nellore, Efforts To Douse Blaze Underway
Visuals from the site showed thick, black plumes of smoke in the air as the raging blaze engulfed the forest
Isro to conduct Gaganyaan air drop test soon
Isro plans to air-drop test for Gaganyaan, Indias first human spaceflight, with S Somanath. Uncrewed missions before manned mission next year. 400 km orbit, Indian sea landing, cutting-edge technologies. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre breakthrough.
World News in Brief: South Sudan tax impositions, Somalia flash floods, Ukraine attacks
World News in Brief: South Sudan tax impositions, Somalia flash floods, Ukraine attacks The UN acknowledges assurances from the South Sudanese government that the recent imposition of taxes on fuel and supply trucks does not apply to the Organization. Still, concerns remain regarding the delivery of humanitarian aid efforts in the region since some of the UNs fuel and supply trucks are being held at many depots and the border. Until they are released, we will not be able to conduct many of our activities in support of the communities in need across the country, _UN Spokesperson Stphane Dujarric_ said on Tuesday. He said that UN colleagues in South Sudan say fuel reserves are being depleted which leaves them in a critical situation that prevents the delivery of millions of dollars worth of aid amidst the countrys crisis. Support from the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, _UNMISS_, has been reduced and the Head of the mission, _Nicholas Haysom_, says urgent action is needed to make certain that support in South Sudan doesnt end. ## Deadly flash floods in Somalia Seasonal rains in Somalia which come between April and June referred to as the Gu rains have intensified, resulting in flash floods in Somaliland, Hirshabelle and South West States, and the Banadir region, over the past five days, according to reports from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs ( _OCHA_). Four people have reportedly died. The UN and its humanitarian partners have increased response efforts by issuing early warning messages, positioning about 20 flood task force teams across Somalia and identifying about 70 evacuation sites in areas prone to flooding. The rains and floods may impact more than 770,000 and the downpour is expected to worsen the current outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera. ## Ukraine: Civilians injured in overnight attack in Odesa OCHA says that aid workers in Ukraine reported an attack in Odesa on Monday night that injured civilians, including children, and damaged homes. This attack comes just after strikes on civilian infrastructure in the Kharkiv Region on Monday that reportedly killed and injured civilians, and partially interrupted telecommunications after a TV tower was destroyed. Families in Odesa have received emergency, psychological and legal assistance from humanitarian organizations this aid supports the delivery of emergency medical services, and primary health care, including mental health assistance by Ukrainian authorities. The World Health Organization ( _WHO_) has reported nearly 100 attacks on health care in Ukraine in 2024. Visit UN News for more.
Kolkata: 4,000 Protest Cal HC Judgment on Teacher Recruitment
Kolkata: 4,000 Protest Cal HC Judgment on Teacher Recruitment Around 4,000 people, whose teaching appointments have been declared null and void by the Calcutta High Court due to irregularities in the recruitment process, on Tuesday demonstrated at Shahid Minar Ground in Kolkata. A five-member delegation of those who lost their jobs also met officials of the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education at its headquarters and discussed the situation. A board official said, ''The meeting lasted for over two hours. We heard their issues. We are sympathetic to their situation. But we have to abide by the high court's decision.'' Azharuddin Rocky, a spokesperson of the retrenched teachers, told reporters, ''We lost our jobs for no fault of ours. We had qualified for the exams based on our merit and cleared the written test and viva voce. After appointment, we have taken classes and no fingers were raised at us at our workplace all these years.'' ''If around 5,000 candidates had allegedly taken recourse to unfair means as stated in the CBI probe, why should we be victimised?'' he asked. A division bench of Calcutta High Court on April 22 cancelled 25,753 appointments of teaching and non-teaching staffers in state government-sponsored and aided schools, declaring null and void the recruitment process of the State Level Selection Test (SLST), 2016 conducted by the School Service Commission (SSC). Rocky, who had joined a secondary school in southern West Bengal in 2018, said the retrenched teachers were separately moving the Supreme Court seeking justice. Soma Barik, another retrenched teacher from Purba Bardhaman district, said, ''I had left my job at a private English-medium school in 2017 after qualifying for the government job in a secondary school in my district.'' ''I did not have money to bribe anyone... I had prepared hard for the exam. Now, I don't know what will happen to me and my family. I have three mouths to feed, including my elderly parents and teenaged brother.'' She, however, added, ''We have full faith in the court to start the process afresh. But it is gruelling to go through the entire process again. Also, will there be justice if I repeat my success again? Also, I am not getting any younger.''
Traffic Advisory for Hanuman Jayanthi in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: City police commissioner K. Sreenivasa Reddy has imposed traffic restrictions and diversions in connection with the Hanuman jayanti Vijaya Yatra on Tuesday. The restrictions will be in place from 11.30 am till 8 pm. The main procession that will start from Gowliguda Ram Mandir and proceed 12 km to the Hanuman Mandir at Tadbund. There will be restrictions or diversions on route from Gowliguda, Ram Mandir to the Tadbund Hanuman Temple via Putlibowli crossroads; Andhra Bank crossroads; Koti, DM & HS; Sultan Bazaar crossroads; Ramkote crossroads; Kacheguda crossroads; YMCA Narayanguda; Chikkadpally crossroads; RTC crossroads; Ashoknagar; Gandhinagar; the road behind Viceroy Hotel; Kavadiguda; Bansilalpet Road; Bible House; City Light Hotel; Bata Showroom; Ujjaini Mahankali Temple; Old Ramgopalpet PS; Paradise crossroads; CTO Junction; Le Royal Palace; Brooke Bond; Imperial Garden and Mastan Caf. A procession from Karmanghat Hanuman Temple in Rachakonda limits will enter city limits at Champapet and pass through Champapet crossroads; IS Sadan; Dhobi Ghat; Saidabad Y Junction; Saidabad Colony Road; Sankeshwar Bazaar; Saroornagar tank; Dilsukhnagar Rajiv Gandhi statue; Moosarambagh Junction; Malakpet; Nalgonda crossroads; Azampura Rotary; Chaderghat crossroads and join the main procession at DM&HS 9 am till 2 pm: Suggested route for fommuters from Lakdikapul towards Dilsukhnagar OR south zone via Koti, Bank Street and Chaderghat: Basheerbagh, Old MLA Quarters, Himayatnagar Y Junction, Narayanguda flyover, Barkatpura, Tourist Jn., Nimboliadda, Chaderghat causeway, Nalgonda crossroads. Commuters from Dilsukhnagar towards Mehdipatnam via Koti: Alternative route LB Nagar, Uppal, Tarnaka, Secunderabad or via LB Nagar, Chandrayangutta, Aramghar, Attapur, Mehdipatnam. 2 pm till 7 pm: Commuters from Lakdikapul towards Secunderabad or Uppal: Alternative route via VV Statue, Somajiguda, Greenlands, Begumpet, Prakashnagar and Paradise flyovers.
Calcutta HC Cancels Appointment of 25,753 Education Department Employees
Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Monday cancelled the appointment of 25,753 state education department employees including teaching and non-teaching staffs, recruited by the School Service Commission in a panel in 2016, over corruption. The court order comes as major blow to the Trinamul Congress government amid the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections. A division bench of the High Court Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Mohammed Shabbar Rashidi passed the judgment after hearing the petitions on SSC cash for jobs scam, being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate. The court directed those appointed through illegal method to return their remuneration to the district magistrates with 12 per cent interest within a month. The bench, however, spared an employee, Soma Das, a cancer patient, from losing her job on humanitarian grounds. Petitioners lawyer Firdous Shamim said, The HC cancelled the entire 2016 panel. Those who lost jobs include secondary (Class IX and X) and higher secondary (Class XI and XII) teachers as well as Group C and Group D staff. He added, The HC also ordered a fresh recruitment process that should start after the Lok Sabha polls anddirected the candidates, recruited by the state government after expiry of the time frame of the 2016 panel, to return their entire salaries in four weeks. The HC judgment came after it had ordered a re-evaluation of the candidates optical mark recognition (OMR) sheets of the 2016 SSC recruitment examination in the scam. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the High Court judgment illegal and alleged BJP influence in it. Addressing a TMC rally at Chakulia in Raiganj of North Dinajpur, the Chief Minister said, I am not talking about the judges, but I can speak on a judgment. It is our right and I challenge it because nearly 26,000 candidates mean 1.5-2 lakh families. Is it possible to return the salaries of eight years of service? Can those of you who passed this judgment return your entire lifes earnings at one go? All of you survive on government salaries, vehicles and security. People respect you, and so do we. This order is illegal. We will move a higher court against it. We have another 10 lakh government jobs ready. Referring to Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikaris recent threat of a bomb explosion, Banerjee alleged, Someone had talked about exploding a bomb which is about snatching nearly 26,000 jobs. Mark my words, I will fight for them whose jobs are at stake now. They dont need to worry, lose hope and put life at risk. All of us are with you and will fight as far as we can. The TMC chief also pointed out, There is something which is neither Mandir nor Masjid..it is a BJP court where they adjudicate matters politically. If someone sides with BJP, he gets bail, for others it's jail. This has become the state of affairs here.
The Bear House Pioneers Sustainable Style in a Dynamic Market
In an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, Harsh & Tanvi Somaiya, the dynamic co-founders of The Bear House, divulge the secrets behind their brand's inception and its unique approach to filling a gap in the fashion market. With a shared passion for sustainability and a keen eye for innovation, they unveil their journey of curating distinct products while fostering a community-driven ethos. What inspired you to start The Bear House, and what is the gap in the market you were trying to fill with your brand? The inspiration behind The Bear House likely stemmed from identifying a unique niche or a particular style missing in the existing market. The brand was created to offer distinctive, possibly more personalized or innovative men's fashion options that cater to specific tastes or lifestyle needs not adequately addressed by mainstream retailers. How does your shared passion for sustainability and eco-friendliness reflect in the products and practices of the brand? Our shared passion, whether it be for quality, unique design, or cultural influences, is evident in the products of The Bear House. This passion translates into meticulous attention to detail, a commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences, and a product line that stands out for its creativity and originality. As co-founders and partners, how do you divide responsibilities and work together to drive the growth of the company? We divide responsibilities based on their strengths and expertise. Tanvi focuses on creative direction and product development, while Harsh handles business operations, including marketing and finance. This division allows each of us to focus on what we do best, fostering efficiency and innovation within the company. What's the story behind your product line, and how do you curate your offerings? The product line at The Bear House is likely curated based on current fashion trends mixed with our unique vision. The story behind the products might include cultural or historical inspirations, aiming to provide a diverse range of choices that appeal to modern consumers looking for something that stands out in their wardrobe. How do you source materials and ensure that your products meet your high standards for sustainability and quality? Quality is a key focus for The Bear House, and sourcing materials involves selecting suppliers who can deliver high-grade fabrics and materials that meet rigorous standards. The brand ensures quality through strict control measures and regular audits of supplier processes, aiming to deliver durable and well-crafted products. What role does community play in your business model, and how do you engage with customers and collaborators? Community will play a central role in The Bear House's business model, focusing on engaging customers through active social media presence, events, and collaborations with other brands or artists. This engagement helps build a loyal customer base and fosters a vibrant community around The Bear Houses lifestyle and values. How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and consumer preferences, and how do you adapt your business strategy accordingly? Keeping up-to-date with trends and consumer preferences involves ongoing market research, including feedback from customers, monitoring fashion industry reports, and engaging with the fashion community. The Bear House adapts its strategy by continually refreshing its product offerings and marketing tactics to align with evolving consumer tastes and market dynamics. What challenges have you faced as entrepreneurs, and how have you overcome them? Challenges might include competitive pressures, maintaining product relevance, and managing growth sustainably. Overcoming these challenges involves strategic planning, agile response to market changes, and continuous innovation in product and business practices. What trends do you see in men's fashion? Trends in men's fashion might currently include a return to classic styles, increased interest in high-quality materials, and perhaps a blending of casual and formal elements to suit a more flexible lifestyle and work environment. How do you see your brand evolving in the future, and what impact do you hope to make in the world of sustainable living? Looking ahead, The Bear House aims to expand its market reach, possibly by entering new geographical markets or extending its product range to include additional fashion categories. We hope to be recognized as a leader in innovative men's fashion, continuously providing customers with fresh and appealing designs that cater to evolving tastes.
NZ$7 million support to communities for Ethiopia and Somalia
NZ$7 million support to communities for Ethiopia and Somalia New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people in need in Somalia. New Zealand remains deeply concerned for people in both countries impacted by conflict as well as other overlapping crises including climate-related shocks and disease outbreaks, Mr Peters says. To help meet urgent needs New Zealand is partnering with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the United Nations' Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund, and New Zealand NGOs under the New Zealand Disaster Response Partnership. Our contributions to the ICRC will support its provision of healthcare support, food and essential items, and protection in Ethiopia and Somalia. Our New Zealand based NGO partners will work with their in-country partners to respond to acute food-insecurity in both countries. The Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund is providing a broad range of protection and assistance to meet priority needs in Ethiopia, Mr Peters says. (With Inputs from New Zealand Government Press Release)
Third Eye: Preparing a post-June 4 plan, Choubey is giving his best shot and politics on the edge
As the model code of conduct slows down the government, bureaucratic groups are busy planning the post-June 4 agenda. The Cabinet Secretary is holding review meetings, leading to several proposals being sent back for revision. Meanwhile, Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, denied a ticket from Buxar, is hopeful for a change in his favor. In another development, BJP is facing a crisis with two MLAs, ST Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar, causing trouble by aligning with Congress and not actively supporting BJP candidates.
Officials review poll preparations in Latur; cycle rally held for voting awareness
Officials review poll preparations in Latur; cycle rally held for voting awareness Poll officials on Sunday inspected the security room in a government polytechnic in Latur where EVMs will be kept post Lok Sabha polls here on May 7. District superintendent of police Somay Munde, Election Inspector (police) Shashank Jaiswal and tehsildar Saudagar Tandale, among others, inspected the EVM security room, counting room etc, an official said. Meanwhile, a cycle rally was held in the city to create awareness about voting.
Delhis temperature to persist between 34 to 38 C: IMD Scientist Soma Sen Roy
Software Employee Arrested for Gold Investment Fraud
Hyderabad: The Cyberabad Economic Offences Wing (EOW) police have arrested Ganta Sreedhar, a 40-year-old software employee, for allegedly luring people with promises of lucrative gold investments. He had cheated 13 persons of Rs 6.12 crore, stated EOW ACP B. Soma Narayana Singh. According to the police, he collected the money after offering high return on their investments, but failed to repay the money. EOW DCP K. Prasad said Sreedhar would initiate contact with potential victims, often personal acquaintances or persons he met at social gatherings and discuss the benefits of investing in gold with them. Sreedhar exploited his position as a trusted colleague to gain the confidence of his targets, Prasad said. Many of the victims, who were colleagues at his workplace, prey to Sreedhar's claims. We urge the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution when approached with investment opportunities, added Prasad.
CCMB study finds genetic link between Sri Lankan tribe and ethnic Indians
HYDERABAD: CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is part of a new study that has shed light on the initial people of Sri Lanka and the ancient genetic ties between the Vedda, an indigenous group of Sri Lanka, and other populations in Asia. Dr K Thangaraj, JC Bose fellow at CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad, is one of the 10 researchers part of the study. He said, The language isolate Vedda, who are among the least studied indigenous populations in Sri Lanka, have long intrigued scientists and historians alike due to their unique linguistic and cultural characteristics. The research indicates that despite the lack of close linguistic similarities, the indigenous population shares a significant genetic link with ethnic populations in India. Our autosomal analyses suggest a close genetic connection between the Vedda and Indian ethnic populations speaking various tongues, pointing towards a deep-rooted history that predates linguistic diversifications, said Prof Gyaneshwer Chaubey, Molecular anthropologist at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi. Dr Ruwandi Ranasingh, the lead author from Colombo University, informed that the study proposes that the Vedda population has undergone genetic drift and a recent bottleneck, which has resulted in a unique genetic makeup with limited gene flow from neighbouring Sinhalese and Sri Lankan Tamil populations. The implications of this research offer novel perspectives on the demographic history of Sri Lanka and the broader South Asian region. The study reveals how the Vedda have preserved their genetic identity over millennia despite massive cultural and linguistic changes around them. CCMB director Dr Vinay Nandicoori expressed optimism that the insights will help towards a better understanding of the genetic diversity in South Asia and foster a deeper appreciation for the unique cultural and genetic heritage of the Vedda people.
Von der Leyen promises Finland EU help to counter migrants from Russia
Von der Leyen promises Finland EU help to counter migrants from Russia The European Union will help Finland guard its eastern border from neighbouring Russia's attempt to instrumentalise migrants to destabilise it, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday. Finland last year shut all passenger crossing points on its long border with Russia amid an influx of asylum-seekers from countries including Syria and Somalia, and accused Moscow of weaponising migration, an assertion the Kremlin denies. The border closure has put an end to the flow of migrants but Finland is building a fence on parts of the border and has stepped up patrols, fearing the phenomenon could restart any time. On a visit to the Finnish-Russian border area, von der Leyen reminded a similar hybrid attack had been launched by Belarus in November 2021 against Latvia, Poland and Lithuania. ... We all know how Putin and his allies instrumentalise migrants to test our defences and try to destabilise us. Now, Putin is focusing on Finland, she told reporters. This is no doubt in response to your firm support of Ukraine and your accession to NATO, she added. Finland's government is planning to introduce emergency legislation to allow its border guards to block migrants and send them back to Russia without receiving their asylum applications, should Russia allow them to start crossing through the vast forests that cover the 1,340-km (830-mile) long border. We are preparing our own legislation but we also need EU measures, Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said. Von der Leyen promised the EU would support Finland with 230 million euros ($245 million) and operational help from the bloc's Frontex border agency to counter the problem, by deploying border guards and surveillance equipment to Finland. She said the Commission was also working with the countries of origin of migrants to counter the problem. What we see is that a state is instrumentalising poor people to put pressure on another state so that is a clear security issue, she said. Measures taken to deal with migrants from Russia must strike a balance between protecting the security of borders and international obligations, she said. ($1 = 0.9377 euro)
